Guilford Pushes State to Fund XtraMile Transit Program

Guilford First Selectman Matt Hoey joined municipal leaders from across Connecticut on Monday in urging state lawmakers to preserve funding for XtraMile, an on-demand ride-share program that loses state support June 30.

XtraMile, launched in 2024 by River Valley Transit, is one of 15 micro-transit pilot programs statewide. Hoey and officials from Madison and other towns backed Senate Bill 9, which would allocate $10.5 million to continue the programs for another year while the state develops long-term funding.

In Guilford and Madison, where bus routes remain limited, XtraMile serves older residents seeking rides to stores and medical appointments, residents without driver's licenses, and people with disabilities.

"Without this service, residents will lose access to reliable transportation to work and doctors' appointments," Hoey said.

The program has grown rapidly. XtraMile recorded 2,677 trips in March, a 68 percent increase from the previous year, putting it on pace for over 30,000 rides annually. Statewide micro-transit programs have provided more than 375,000 rides. Among riders, 60 percent report no access to a personal vehicle, over half earn less than $50,000 annually, and 20 percent have a disability.