City of Norwalk launches on-demand microtransit service
NORWALK — The City of Norwalk has launched Norwalk Community Link, a new on-demand microtransit service designed to expand flexible transportation options and improve access to essential destinations throughout the city.
The service, introduced in partnership with public transit technology provider Via, offers shared rides that can be booked through a smartphone app or by phone. City officials said the program is intended to complement existing transit options by providing a modern alternative to fixed-route service, particularly for trips that are difficult to make using traditional bus schedules.
“Norwalk Community Link gives residents a flexible option that connects neighborhoods to services, transit, and daily needs,” Mayor Jennifer Perez said in a statement. “During the first year, this service will help us learn how flexible, on-demand service can support everyday trips and improve access for our community.”
Norwalk Community Link operates using Via’s on-demand technology, which matches riders traveling in similar directions into shared trips. Requests are optimized in real time to create efficient routes, helping reduce travel times, traffic congestion, and environmental impact.
Riders can book trips through the Norwalk Community Link app, available in both the Apple App Store and Google Play, or by calling the service’s dedicated phone line. The platform allows users to request immediate rides, schedule trips for a future date and time, or set up recurring rides for regular destinations such as work, school, or medical appointments.
The service operates daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is supported by a fleet of approximately a dozen vehicles. The fleet includes wheelchair-accessible vehicles to accommodate riders with mobility needs.
Fares are set at $1.25 per one-way trip for each rider. A single ride request may include up to four additional passengers, allowing families or small groups to travel together. Children under 4 years old ride free. Riders must be at least 13 years old to travel independently.
Norwalk Community Link is available within defined service areas across the city, with connections to key destinations and transit centers. Coverage maps and service boundaries are available through the app and on the city’s website.
City officials said the microtransit program will serve as a pilot during its first year, providing data and community feedback to help evaluate how on-demand transportation can best support local travel needs. The service is expected to improve access to jobs, schools, healthcare, shopping, and other essential services, particularly for residents who may not live near fixed-route transit lines.
Via, the technology partner for the program, works with cities and transit agencies worldwide to modernize public transportation networks. Its platform is currently used by hundreds of cities in more than 30 countries to help agencies reduce operating costs, improve rider experience, and increase overall transit usage.
Norwalk residents can find additional information about the service, including booking options and service maps, at www.norwalk.org/RideNow
The City of Norwalk, incorporated in 1957, spans 9.71 square miles and is home to about 100,000 residents. City officials said the launch of Norwalk Community Link reflects an ongoing commitment to providing responsive, efficient, and accessible public services for the community.