New 'Suffolk Transit On Demand' Fills Bus Service Gap

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — A new, on-demand service is now available for residents in areas of Southampton left with public transportation gaps.

County Executive Steve Bellone announced the first-ever "Suffolk Transit On-Demand" service, a partnership with the Hampton Jitney and Via Transportation, to provide expanded access in areas where cuts left some bus routes underserved.

The service launched on June 16 and provides transit coverage around Southampton and Sag Harbor in an area formerly served by Suffolk County Transit's 10A bus route, Bellone said.

“This first-of-its-kind service uses advanced algorithms to create quick and efficient trips in real time, increasing efficiency and reliability for riders,” Bellone said. “This new service not only helps create that first and last mile connection, it also furthers our continued efforts to connect Long Island by utilizing 21st-century transportation technologies.”

Suffolk Transit On-Demand, he added, will provide "affordable, efficient, and convenient" transit across the service zone, provide first-and-last mile connections to the existing transit infrastructure in the area, such as the Long Island Rail Road, the S92 bus, and the South Ferry to Shelter Island.

Via’s algorithms create quick and efficient trips by matching multiple passengers heading in the same direction together into a single vehicle in real-time, sending riders to a nearby “virtual bus stop” for pick up and drop off, Bellone explained. The service will include wheelchair-accessible vehicles and is specially designed to stand out from the existing Suffolk County Transit buses.

By using the Suffolk Transit On-Demand mobile app, or by calling 631-818-2982, transit riders can book their ride by selecting a pickup and drop-off location within the Southampton service area, Bellone said. 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 locate their ride. The mobile app comes with all iOS and Android accessibility features, a release said..

Suffolk Transit On-Demand will operate from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Rides cost the same as the Suffolk County Bus, $2.25, with discounted rates for youth, students, seniors, persons with disabilities, Medicare card holders, and Suffolk County veterans.

Children under five ride free when accompanied by adults.

Payment can be made by credit card through the app, or riders can purchase ride credit vouchers with cash at the Hampton Jitney office, located at 395 County Rd 39A in Southampton. The first five rides are free for all riders until August 15.

Additional information can be found here.

In addition, with an eye toward safety, the app includes wellness checks to ensure passengers and drivers are COVID-19 symptom-free. Everyone on board will be required to wear a face mask or face covering. Vehicle capacity will be limited in accordance with social distancing guidelines, and vehicles will be professionally cleaned regularly, Bellone said.

“I have always been an advocate of making public transportation more accessible, convenient, and responsive to community needs," said Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming.

Fleming, who serves as chair of the county's transportation working group and vice-chair of public works, transportation, and energy Committee, said her goal has been to find cost-effective solutions for residents who may not have a car or who live in communities with limited public transit services.

"The Suffolk Transit On-Demand program is a pilot that completely reimagines public transportation," she said. "Its 'micro-transit framework makes it easy for users to get on a bus and get to where they need to go using an app, or by calling a phone number. We must find ways to enhance access and availability to all and this program is the first step in that direction.”

Daniel Ramot, co-Founder and CEO of Via added: "We are excited to partner with Suffolk County to launch the area's first on-demand public transit service, connecting more residents and visitors to transit than ever before."