Wish your South Salem commute to Grand Central felt simpler? If you live near Spring Street, the Ridgefield–Katonah Shuttle can streamline your morning and evening routine. In this guide, you’ll learn how the park‑and‑ride works, how to get a permit, what to expect on the shuttle, and how to avoid common hiccups. Let’s dive in.
What the Katonah shuttle is
The Ridgefield–Katonah Shuttle is a weekday commuter bus operated by HARTransit. It links local park‑and‑ride lots, including South Salem’s Spring Street lot, with Metro‑North’s Katonah Station on the Harlem Line. Buses are scheduled to meet specific morning and evening trains. Always check the current timetable on the Metro‑North connecting services page before you go.
Where to park in South Salem
The South Salem Park & Ride, commonly called the Spring Street lot, sits on Spring Street near 83 Spring Street. It’s a small lot, with roughly 30 spaces listed in regional directories, and long‑term use requires a permit. For a quick overview of size and setup, see the Park & Ride profile or this parking listing.
Permits are administered by the Town of Lewisboro. Priority typically goes to town residents, and availability can be limited. Start with the Town Clerk’s page for Spring Street parking permit applications.
Town code governs how the lot is used, including a clear rule against overnight parking. Review the posted lot regulations before your first day to avoid tickets.
Step‑by‑step: Using the park‑and‑ride
1) Apply for a permit
- Check availability, fees, and timing with the Town Clerk. Processes and rates can change. Start here: Commuter parking permits.
2) Check the shuttle schedule
- The shuttle runs on weekdays during commute windows and is timed to meet certain trains. Confirm current times on the Ridgefield–Katonah Shuttle page, especially around holidays.
3) Choose your fare option
- You can pay HARTransit’s regular bus fare on board, with exact change recommended. Frequent riders can add a UniTicket to weekly or monthly Metro‑North rail passes, so your bus and train are combined on one ticket. Learn more on the MTA’s shuttle page.
4) Day‑of routine
- Arrive early. The lot is small, and permitted spaces fill. Park only where your permit allows and respect any short‑term spaces. The shuttle is meant to meet specific trains, so if you miss a connection, check the next listed trip.
5) Accessibility
- HARTransit vehicles serving this route are wheelchair‑accessible, and Katonah Station features accessibility elements. If you need assistance, plan ahead and let the driver know. For local permit and commuter resources, see Lewisboro’s commuter parking page.
Fares and UniTicket basics
- Pay the bus fare on board, or streamline your commute with a UniTicket add‑on to a weekly or monthly rail pass. UniTickets are sold at Metro‑North ticket machines and ticket offices. Details and current rules are on the MTA’s shuttle information page.
- Monthly UniTicket holders may be eligible for 511NY’s Guaranteed Ride Home in covered situations. Review eligibility and procedures via the same MTA page before relying on it.
Important rules and limits
- Limited capacity: The Spring Street lot has limited spaces and permits are prioritized for Lewisboro residents. Review the Park & Ride profile and confirm permit status with the Town Clerk.
- Weekdays only: The shuttle is a weekday commuter service. Do not plan weekend travel on it. Check the MTA page for any schedule notices.
- No overnight parking: Town code prohibits overnight parking in the Spring Street lot. See the lot regulations.
- Schedules and fares change: Always verify current timetables, fare policies, and permit rules on official sources before you travel.
If permits are unavailable
- Consider alternative parking near Katonah Station or other nearby commuter lots. Availability and rules differ by lot, so check posted regulations and current policies before you go.
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FAQs
Do I need a permit to park at Spring Street?
- Yes. Long‑term commuter parking requires a Town of Lewisboro permit; check the Town Clerk’s site for applications, availability, and fees.
Does the Ridgefield–Katonah Shuttle run on weekends?
- No. It operates on weekdays during commuter hours, with holiday exceptions or notices posted by official sources.
How do I pay the shuttle fare or combine it with my rail ticket?
- Pay the HARTransit fare on the bus or add the UniTicket to a weekly or monthly Metro‑North pass purchased at ticket machines or ticket offices.
What if I miss the shuttle or my train?
- Check the next scheduled connection on official timetables; monthly UniTicket holders may be eligible for 511NY’s Guaranteed Ride Home in covered situations.
Is the shuttle and station accessible?
- The shuttle vehicles serving this route are wheelchair‑accessible, and Katonah Station includes accessibility features; notify the driver if you need assistance.
