FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 22, 2025
New London SmartRide adds nighttime service
NEW LONDON – New London SmartRide, the on-demand micro-transit service provided through a partnership between the City of New London and the Southeast Area Transit District, now offers nighttime hours.
Service from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Monday through Saturday started earlier this month, adding to the original schedule of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Customers can request New London SmartRide service through the SEAT HOP App or Spare Rider App on their mobile devices.
Night service is available only in areas not serviced by a regular fixed SEAT route. Customers will get a message on the app providing scheduled service if they request a ride from a location on a regular route.
The SmartRide program is largely funded by a state Department of Transportation Micro Transit Pilot grant. A $100,000 allocation from the City of New London earlier this year covered a funding gap and allowed SmartRide to continue after federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act ended.
“It was a collaborative effort between our City Council, SEAT, and the state DOT that allowed New London SmartRide to continue and now add service,” said Mayor Michael Passero. “Together, we made this vital service for many of our residents even better.”
“SEAT is happy to provide these services, and we look forward to working with the City of New London to continue to provide transit options for residents of New London,” said Michael Carroll, General Manager of SEAT.