New London ― The city’s Smart Ride on-demand, micro-transit system on April 1 began service to and from the Hartford HealthCare HealthCenter in Waterford.

It is the first expansion outside city limits for the service, which started in December 2021.

“Smart Ride’s expanded transit service to Hartford HealthCare’s Waterford facility is in direct response to our passengers’ requests,” said Mayor Michael Passero. “Hartford HealthCare’s HealthCenter on Dayton Road is a principal provider of medical services to residents of New London so I’m pleased that the Southeastern CT Council of Governments Transit Committee supported this service expansion.”

Smart Ride is operated by Southeast Area Transit on behalf of the New London Parking Authority.

“Smart Ride already makes roughly 5,000 trips per month within New London and we are excited about the expanded service to the Hartford HealthCare facility,” said Carey Redd, II, CEO/Director, NLPA Smart Ride.

The SEAT transit cash fares, which include Smart Ride, are $1.75 for a regular single ride, $0.85 for senior citizens and people with disabilities, $3.50 for ADA/paratransit transportation, and free for children under the age of 5.

For more information about the Smart Ride public transportation service in New London, please visit: www.parkinnewlondon.com or SEAT’s website: www.southeastareatransitdistrict.com.