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Mayor Elicker announces launch of Via NHV, new on-demand public transit service, providing residents with an affordable and convenient alternative commuting option in the Elm City

April 3, 2025 (NEW HAVEN, CT) – Today, Mayor Justin Elicker, city and state officials, and TransitTech provider Via announced the launch of Via NHV, the city’s new app-based, on-demand public transit service in the Elm City.

As part of city’s ongoing efforts to expand transit accessibility and options to New Haven residents, Via NHV (pronounced Via New Haven) is a new pilot program that will provide affordable, reliable, convenient, shared, on-demand rides to locations around the city. Anyone within the service zone can book an on-demand ride through the Via NHV app or by calling the Via NHV phone number. Once a rider books a trip, Via NHV technology matches riders headed in the same direction into one shared vehicle. Matching CT Transit fares, Via NHV offers individual rides starting at $1.75, with lower fares of 85 cents for seniors and low-income individuals. During an initial promotional period, all rides are free through April 11th.

“We want to make it as affordable, convenient and safe as possible to get around New Haven. When you expand access to public transportation, you expand access to opportunity – connecting people to jobs, housing, doctors, friends and family, shopping and entertainment. Opportunity only matters if you have a way to get there, and Via NHV is another way to help residents get to where they need and want to go,” said Mayor Justin Elicker. “We have 22 bus routes, 4 train service lines, 52 miles of bikeways, and an airport – but we still have some gaps that are difficult to close without a vehicle. Today, we’re helping to close those transit gap with our new on-demand transit service, Via NHV.”

During this initial pilot phase, the service area will be concentrated in neighborhoods on the west side, downtown, and the Fair Haven neighborhood, where these is a lower concentration of individuals with vehicles. Service hours are 7 days a week from 7 am to 7 pm. Riders can use the service to commute work, shopping centers, healthcare facilities, local transit hubs, family and friends, and more. Some popular destinations include Union Station, State Street Train Station, Yale New Haven Hospital (both campuses), Fair Haven Community Health Care, Dixwell Community House (Q House), Southern Connecticut State University, Yale University, the New Haven Green, and more.

“Via is delighted to partner with the City of New Haven to introduce microtransit to this community to minimize traffic while maximizing access to opportunity,” said Mike Vaccarino, Senior Vice President of Partnerships at Via. “The launch of NHV Transit will connect people to the places that matter most.” 

Governor Ned Lamont and the Connecticut Department of Transportation awarded $19.5 million to fund nine transit districts and municipalities in Connecticut for a two-year pilot program for on-demand microtransit services. The City of New Haven received over $3 million to launch Via NHV. 
 
“With over 100,000 trips completed statewide, Connecticut's microtransit pilot programs are breaking down first and last mile barriers, offering an affordable, accessible option for all riders,” said Ben Limmer, the Bureau Chief of Public Transportation for the Connecticut Department of Transportation. “The launch of microtransit in New Haven is a significant step to ensure we are providing greater connectivity for Elm City residents and visitors." 

Via NHV allows anyone within the service zone to book an on-demand ride through the Via NHV app (available in the App Store and Google Play) or by calling 475-303-5467. To book a ride, users must:

  1. Create an account: Download the Via NHV app and follow the simple sign-up process. 
  2. Request a ride: Enter your pickup and drop-off locations, then select the best ride option.
  3. Meet your driver: The app will direct you to a nearby virtual bus stop for pickup.

In addition, wheelchair-accessible vehicles and door-to-door service are available for riders with mobility needs.

For more information about Via NHV, residents and riders can go to: city.ridewithvia.com/nhv. 

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