A regional public transportation agency is poised to launch an expanded on-demand ride service in several Southeastern Connecticut towns.

In the coming weeks, the Southeastern Area Transit District, SEAT, will roll-out “microtransit” services in Groton and Waterford ― with expanded options in New London ― that will allow users to punch in a destination via a smartphone app or phone number and be ferried to a location within that same service area.

SEAT General Manager Michael Carroll likened the state-funded pilot program to that of an Uber or other private ride-hailing service “on steroids.”

“Users can go on the free app, confirm their trip and make a payment,” he said. “Then, a small van shows up and takes you to your destination. The pick-ups aren’t tied to any bus stop and will be available in places that right now have no fixed-route bus service, as well as in places that do.”

For example, most regular bus service in New London now ends at 7 p.m. and is non-existent in the eastern sections of Groton that include popular Mystic and Noank destinations.

“Starting May 6, we’ll have that microtransit option in Groton and, on July 1, it’ll be introduced in the Quaker Hill section of Waterford,” Carroll said.

SEAT serves riders in East Lyme, Griswold, Groton, Lisbon, Montville, New London, Norwich, Stonington and Waterford.

Carroll said the programs were slated to roll-out earlier this year, but difficulty in finding drivers delayed the launch. He said the agency will use its stock of vans supplemented by the purchase of several new vehicles.

The on-demand system is not a totally new concept in the region. Three years ago, SEAT eliminated its regular bus service in Stonington in favor of the “HOP” system, in which users employ the Spare Labs’ SEAT Connect App or the Spare Rider App to request or schedule rides between Pawcatuck and Mystic.

Carroll said between 500 and 700 riders use the on-demand HOP options every month, paying a flat $1.75 fee for each pick-up.

New London introduced a day-time microtransit service in late 2021 that under the new system will run weekdays until 12:30 a.m. and for several hours on Sundays. Carey Redd II, the city’s parking authority director, said he worked closely with Carroll to develop the updated New London schedule.

“Microtransit has proven to be a godsend, allowing us to serve a number of demographics, including Connecticut College students and casino employees that live in New London,” he said. “And this new late-night service will be a great option for people dining late at restaurants or catching a show at the (Garde Arts Center). And all for far less than an Uber or Lyft.”

In addition to the on-demand option, SEAT fixed bus schedules starting on July 1 will be expanded to include 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday services and some weekday routes.

If the ride-hailing option proves successful, the pilot program could be granted two one-year extensions, Gov. Ned Lamont said in a news release announcing the service.

j.penney@theday.com