After several months of delays related to manufacturing, Suffolk County's expansion of on-demand bus service to East Hampton Town is set to begin on Sunday.
The on-demand service replaces two fixed-route buses, the 10B and 10C routes, that ran through East Hampton, Springs, and Montauk. It is based on a pilot program launched in Southampton Town in 2021 that county officials deemed very successful.
"In an effort to make our roads safer and reduce vehicular traffic on the East End, we are expanding this innovative program farther east to effectively and efficiently provide a reliable mass transportation option to our South Fork residents," Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said in a statement last Thursday.
The county expects the East Hampton on-demand route to serve at least 16,800 people in its first year. By way of comparison, in 2023 about 13,700 people used the Southampton service, which runs through Sag Harbor, Noyac, North Sea, and Southampton Village.
Hours of operation will be 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. Fares cost the same as a traditional county bus, with discounted rates for senior citizens, students, people with disabilities, veterans, and others. The buses are wheelchair-accessible.
According to the county, the system employs "an advanced algorithm that caters to those requesting a ride, creating virtual bus stops and real routes in real time."
To use the service, customers with smartphones can download a mobile app called Suffolk Transit On-Demand to arrange rides. Those without a smartphone can call 631-818-2982 to book trips.
"Public transportation is so important," said Suffolk County Legislator Ann Welker, whose legislative district includes both on-demand bus zones. "I'm so excited about it. It has been a long time coming, and it's important for our community and the environment."
