Suffolk Reporter

HAUPPAUGE, NY— Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine revealed a significant transportation enhancement aimed at improving connectivity for South Fork residents. The initiative, known as the “Suffolk Transit On-Demand” program, will be extended to East Hampton, Springs, and Montauk through a collaboration with Hampton Jitney and Via Mobility LLC.

Romaine highlighted the purpose behind the expansion, stating, "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."

Originally launched as a pilot program in the Town of Southampton in 2021, the Transit On-Demand service has shown significant growth in ridership over the years. Starting with 4,500 riders in June 2021, the program served 13,700 customers by 2023. The new service area is anticipated to cater to 16,800 riders within its inaugural year.

Operational seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., rides on the Suffolk Transit On-Demand service are priced equivalently to traditional transit buses, with special discounts available for various segments of the population such as seniors, youth, students, persons with disabilities, Medicare Card Holders, and Suffolk County veterans.

Residents of East Hampton, Springs, and Montauk are encouraged to access the service by downloading the Suffolk Transit On-Demand mobile app or contacting (631) 818-2982 to schedule their rides by indicating their pickup and drop-off locations within the designated service area. Upon booking a ride, passengers will receive details about their vehicle's real-time location, the driver's name, and other relevant information to facilitate a smooth boarding process. The mobile app is designed with accessibility features for both iOS and Android users.

Utilizing an advanced algorithm, the buses adapt to passengers' ride requests by establishing virtual bus stops and dynamic routes in real time, ensuring efficient transportation services. Additionally, the service includes wheelchair-accessible vehicles to accommodate individuals with mobility needs.

For more details on the Suffolk Transit On-Demand program and other traffic management initiatives in the East End, interested individuals can find additional information by visiting the official website.