Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine today announced a new expanded transportation service, the latest effort to better connect South Fork residents. Through a partnership with Hampton Jitney and Via Mobility LLC, Suffolk County will launch its second micro transit service zone program on Sunday, April 28 in the Town of East Hampton as a part of the county’s “Suffolk Transit On-Demand” program.
“In an effort to make our roads safer and reduce vehicular traffic on the East End, we are expanding this innovative program further east to effectively and efficiently provide a reliable mass transportation option to our South Fork residents,” said Romaine.
The Transit On-Demand program began in 2021 as a pilot program in the Town of Southampton. In June 2021, the pilot’s ridership was 4,500. By 2023, there were 13,700 customers served in a year. The new zone complements the existing transit system and is expected to serve 16,800 riders in the first year alone.
Available seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., rides cost the same as conventional transit buses, with discounted rates for seniors, youth, students, persons with disabilities, Medicare Card Holders and Suffolk County veterans.
East Hampton, Springs and Montauk residents are advised to download the Suffolk Transit On-Demand mobile app, or call (631) 818-2982 to book their ride by selecting a pickup and drop-off location within the service area. Once a ride is booked, passengers will be directed to a nearby corner, and will be able to see the real-time location of their vehicle, the driver’s name, and other information to help them spot their ride. The mobile app comes with all iOS and Android accessibility features.
The buses employ an advanced algorithm that caters to those requesting a ride, creating virtual bus stops and real routes in real time. The service includes wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
For more information on the Suffolk Transit On-Demand program and further initiatives to improve traffic control on the East End, click here.
