Carpool and vanpools
CT Rides offers carpooling and vanpooling services. They link commuters who travel the same routes or routes with origins and destinations that are very close. Explore their website at www.ctrides.com to see what might work for you. You can even get rewards for greener travel – see more here. If your employer has registered for one of their services, you could also qualify for an emergency ride home – see more here. Many of the benefits of alternative transportation and resources available to local commuters are outlined on the resource page of the go New Haven go website.
Bicycling
When you ride a bicycle, you save money and get exercise at the same time. New Haven is a small city and flat for the most part so it is possible as a cyclist to avoid paying for a car, maintenance, gas, and insurance altogether. Here is some information to help you get started (if you haven’t started already).
You can purchase new and used bikes at bike shops (area shops include The Devil’s Gear, College Street Cycles, D’Aniello’s Amity Bikes, and the Goatville Cyclesmith), big box stores (new only), and also at thrift/consignment shops, tag sales and flea markets, also online (e.g Craig’s List, freecycle). The Bradley Street Bicycle Co-op sells used bikes, offers tools and instruction to members (cost) and recycles donated bikes to give to clients of nonprofit organizations. Bikes for Kids provides free bikes to children and adults. Free bikes are not generally distributed directly to individuals but an organization or church that you are involved with may be able to assist you obtain one. For more information contact Paul Hammer at 347-504-5334 or pauldhammer@yahoo.com.
For those who need to use a bicycle occasionally, many bike shops rent bicycles., The City of New Haven will also be introducing a bike share program in 2018 for people who want to take short rides around town.
Some people ride their bicycles long distances to commute to work, school or for other purposes but one can also bring bikes aboard buses, shuttles and trains. In this manner, the bike can be used to travel the last mile from the bus or train station to your destination. CT Transit, Metro-North, Shoreline East, and some shuttles allow bikes on board. Bikes may be taken aboard Metro-North trains (off-peak). You must purchase a $5.00 lifetime pass at Union Station (or other stations). Folding bikes may be taken aboard Metro-North peak trains with a pass.
For those who need to use a bicycle occasionally, many bike shops rent bicycles., The City of New Haven will also be introducing a bike share program in 2018 for people who want to take short rides around town.
Some people ride their bicycles long distances to commute to work, school or for other purposes but one can also bring bikes aboard buses, shuttles and trains. In this manner, the bike can be used to travel the last mile from the bus or train station to your destination. CT Transit, Metro-North, Shoreline East, and some shuttles allow bikes on board. Bikes may be taken aboard Metro-North trains (off-peak). You must purchase a $5.00 lifetime pass at Union Station (or other stations). Folding bikes may be taken aboard Metro-North peak trains with a pass.