Ride share service for Norwalk residents is now available

Residents and community members of the City of Norwalk are now able to utilize a new on-demand rideshare service to connect riders to transit hubs, jobs, schools, medical appointments and other essential destinations throughout the city’s 9.71 square miles.

Known as the Norwalk Community Link, the new on-demand micro-transit rideshare service hopes to facilitate and shorten the commuting times for residents who do not own a vehicle or simply wish not to drive. 

Riders will be able to book these services using a mobile app or by phone during the 12-hour operating schedule, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

For just $1.25, cheaper thanL.A. Metro busesand train fare, community members can request one-way rides within the designated areas of Norwalk.

City leaders said the ride share looks to complement formerly existing transit routes, specifically for destinations harder to get to through the city’s traditional bus schedules.

“Norwalk Community Link gives residents a flexible option that connects neighborhoods to services, transit and daily needs,” said Norwalk Mayor Jennifer Perez. “During the first year, this service will help us learn how flexible, on-demand service can support everyday trips and improve access for our community.”

The initiative came to fruition through a partnership between the City of Norwalk, which has a population of approximately 98,000 to 102,000 residents, with a predominantly Latino (70%) population, and Via, a public transit technology provider that originated in 2012 out of New York City. 

Today, the Via platform is utilized across more than 30 countries, including Canada, Germany, the UK, Brazil and Australia, among others. 

One ride request with Norwalk Community Link can include up to four additional riders, making it accessible for friends and families to travel together. In addition, children under four years old ride for free. 

The rideshare looks to provide easier connections to key destinations and transit centers in Norwalk, including the Norwalk Community Hospital, Norwalk City Hall, Cerritos College, the city’s Social Services Center and the Norwalk Senior Center, among others. 

Although this is a pilot program, meaning that the microtransit option is in a preliminary trial, community feedback will show how much the on-demand service is needed and used to support local travel needs. 

Riders can request trips immediately, book rides for a future date and time or subscribe to regular trips.

Next Wednesday, February 25, the City of Norwalk, including the mayor, council members and other representatives, will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the launch of Norwalk Community Link. 

The ribbon-cutting will take place at 12650 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650, starting at 11 a.m.

The Norwalk Community Link app is available now in both the Apple App Store and Google Play.