Norwalk to begin Wall Street striping; Wheels2U upgrades its app; expect Butler Street paving

NORWALK, Conn. — Here are some Norwalk announcements for you:

• Reverse angle parking work to begin Monday in Central Norwalk
• Wheels2U enters second year of Norwalk service
• Paving work expected Sept. 23 on Butler and at Norwalk Transfer Station

Here comes reverse angle parking

Norwalk will begin its Wall Street area line striping work Monday, a week-long activity that will create reverse angle parking.

Signage will be posted alerting motorists of the scheduled work and changing traffic patterns as the striping is done along Wall Street, River Street, and Main Street. Striping will also occur in the Main Street Lot.

That’s all according to Norwalk Communications Manager Joshua Morgan, who wrote, “The lines are being painted for reverse – or back-in – angle parking spots. The new method of parking is safer for motorists and will add 10 spaces to the area.”

Street parking will be limited. Free parking will be available at the Yankee Doodle Garage while the project is ongoing. Additionally, ambassadors with LAZ Parking will be available to answer questions and help direct drivers to the Garage. The striping is expected to be completed by Friday, Sept. 20, but the schedule might shift depending on the weather forecast.

For additional information, please visit norwalkct.org or call Norwalk Customer Service at (203) 854-3200.

Also, there are photos of the plan at the end of this story.

New app available for Wheels2U

Wheels2U, Norwalk’s on-demand rideshare service, celebrated its first birthday Friday. Its “pilot program status” is officially over.

“We were the first city in Connecticut to introduce a service of this type. We knew this mode of transportation would be a hit in Norwalk and has become one of the go-to ways to move around the city,” Mayor Harry Rilling is quoted as saying in a press release. “Wheels2U is an important part of our plans to introduce new and expand existing transportation and mobility options in the city. We are focused on ensuring there are a variety of safe and convenient ways for people of all ages and abilities to get around Norwalk.”

Users get a ride via a smartphone app, and a new app is available on the App Store and Google Play Store, the press release said. Norwalk Transit partnered with Via, a leading provider and developer of on-demand shared mobility solutions, to create an app with a sleek and more intuitive user interface, which will be faster and more responsive for users. Those who have downloaded the previous version of the app (MicroTransit by TransLoc or TransLoc) will need to download the new Wheel2U app.

“The app displays an estimated time of pick-up, and where the vehicle currently is,” the release said. “Since its inception, more than 10,000 passengers have arrived safely to their destination thanks to Wheels2U. The service continues to be free for riders thanks to the generous support of The SoNo Collection. Local businesses continue to work with Wheels2U on special promotions and discounts. Wheels2U remains a partnership between the City of Norwalk, State of Connecticut Department of Transportation, and Norwalk Transit District, which operates the Thursday – Sunday service.”

“We are proud partners in this innovative project. The face of the public transit industry is changing across the country. Public transit is no longer a service of need but one of choice,” Kimberlee Morton, Chief Executive Officer of Norwalk Transit, is quoted as saying. “Through the use of technology, we can optimize existing services. We believe that microtransit will be part of a long-term solution for the community as we continuously look to meet the ever-changing needs of all of our transportation customers.”

“In June, Wheels2U was awarded the Technology Innovation – Citizens Category Award at the Special Districts Summit/Northeast that was held in Philadelphia for technology innovation and improvement of service to the public,” the release said. “For fast facts, schedule of operating times, and more information visit Wheels2uNorwalk.com.”

Milling and paving update

Milling and paving work will begin Monday, Sept. 23, on Butler Street and the parking lot of the Norwalk Transfer station, as part of the City’s annual paving program. Work will be performed during the day on Butler Street and overnight at the Transfer Station, a press release said.

“The public is advised that milled roads can be rough, so please use caution in these areas. Signage will alert motorists of the scheduled work. Additionally, temporary traffic patterns may be put place. Please anticipate travel delays,” Morgan’s press release said.

The Transfer Station, located at 61 Crescent Street in Norwalk, will retain its normal operating hours, Monday-Friday 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.