New Paratransit Shuttle Service and Service for R&D Park

 

Mobility and Parking Services (MAPS) is proud to announce Howl-A-Ride, a new on-demand transportation service launching in partnership with Via in January 2026.

Beginning January 22, 2026, riders will be able to request on-demand trips from anywhere on campus to destinations in R&D Park and back again, providing a convenient door-to-door experience and eliminating the need to travel to the SAC Bus Loop.

The service will officially launch campus-wide on January 26, 2026, to coincide with the start of the Spring semester. At that time, Howl-A-Ride will fully replace the existing R&D Park fixed-route shuttle.

In addition to on-demand rides, Howl-A-Ride will also provide scheduled paratransit service, using Via’s technology to improve dispatching, reliability, and the overall rider experience. Riders will be have the ability to schedule rides at their convenience on the Howl-A-Ride app. SBU Transit will more efficiently utilize resources by co-mingling paratransit and shuttle rides to select destinations, while maintaining excellent service standards.

The R&D Park service will also be extended to include Saturdays, expanding access and flexibility for the campus community.

BENEFITS FOR ACCESSIBLE SERVICE RIDERS:

• • More efficient with direct service
  • Power of scheduling your rides based on your needs
  • Can be schedule by "arrive by" or "depart at" for convenience
  • Ability to schedule recurring rides

WHY IS THIS REPLACING THE SHUTTLE SERVICE FOR R&D:

• • More efficient service
  • Door to door service with no need to originate from the SAC loop
  • Service extended to include Saturdays

Requesting Paratransit Services

STUDENTS: The Department of Mobility & Parking Services, in conjunction with Student Accessibility Support Center, offers Paratransit Services for those community members who require an accomodation due to disability or injury. Please contact the Student Accessibility Support Center to submit a request for Paratransit Services. 

EMPLOYEES: Employees may request accessibility accommodations by contacting OEA. 

How to Setup the Howl-A-Ride app:

 

Initial Setup:

1. In your app store, search “Howl-A-Ride” the download the app to your personal device.
2. You will be asked to verify your e-mail. You must have an active Stony Brook e-mail account to use Howl-A-Ride.
3. You will be asked to log in using the phone number we have on file for you.
4. You will be given a one-time pass code to use to grant you access to the app.

 

Booking a Paratransit Ride:

1. Open the Howl-A-Ride app and log in (if necessary).
2. When the app opens, tap the icon showing the wheelchair passenger to select
3. Para-transit service (not the bus icon, which is for the R&D Shuttle).
4. Tap the calendar icon labeled “When” to begin scheduling your ride.
5. You can request a ride ASAP or schedule a ride for a future date.
6. Choose either “Depart at” or “Arrive by,” then select the date and time for your ride.
7. If you need this ride to repeat (for example, a recurring trip to class every Tuesday or Thursday), select “Recurring Ride.” Choose the day or days the ride is needed.
8. Select the end date for your recurring rides, such as the last day of the semester. Tap “Set Time.”
9. Select a “Start From” location. You can use the map or begin typing a location and select from a list of predefined Points of Interest (POIs). POIs are recommended campus locations designed for easy and accessible pick-up and drop-off.
10. Select the “Drop Off” location using the same methods. Map icons will help you identify POIs.
11. Choose a Travel Reason: Class, Work, or Prefer Not to Say.
12. You may add optional comments for your driver in the “Location Comments” field.
13. Once all ride details are complete, tap “Done.”
14. You will now be able to add up to one additional passenger to your trip. Tap the passenger icon, choosing either “Additional Rider” or “Additional Rider with Wheelchair.”
15. Tap “Reserve Ride” at the bottom of the screen to book your ride.
16. You will receive a confirmation of your reservation. Select “Book Return” to schedule a return trip, or tap “OK.”
17. From the home screen, tap the menu icon in the top-left corner and select “Scheduled Rides.” Dates with scheduled rides are marked with dots on the calendar.
18. Tap a date to view rides scheduled for that day. From this screen, you can edit or cancel a ride.
19. When canceling a recurring ride, you can choose to cancel a single ride or all rides in the series.
20. The menu also contains additional service information and contact information for SBU transit.

 

Below is a step-by-step video on how to book a ride via the Howl-A-Ride app.

 

Download the Howl-A-Ride app here:

 

 

Note: Students who would like to use the Suffolk Transit Connection, but require Special Transportation Services in order to do so, may request such services through the Suffolk County Accessible Transportation Services at (631) 738-1150.