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Residents and councilors urge continuation of SmartRite senior transportation service
Summary
Multiple residents and councilors told the council at public comment and in staff remarks that the SmartRite transport service is valuable to seniors and other residents, and several councilors said they support seeking ways to keep it running despite funding pressures.
At the May 19 New London City Council meeting, several residents and council members spoke in support of SmartRite, a transportation service used by seniors and others, urging the city to sustain the program amid funding questions.
Public commenters and council members described SmartRite as a reliable door-to-door option that began as a free pilot in 2021 and later moved to a paid model. Councilor Pro Tem (name recorded as President Pro Tempeck) said the service was important because new pickup destinations such as a professional building and a cancer center have increased seniors’ reliance on it. Councilor Satti and others also voiced full support and asked the administration to seek ways — including pricing adjustments or budget allocations — to preserve the service. The mayor’s office said the city has been working with state transportation agencies and other partners to try to keep regional services financially viable and noted the city’s historical contributions to bus-and-district services.
No formal action on SmartRite was taken at the meeting; council members said they would press for solutions as the budget process proceeds and the city evaluates community center and program needs.
