Norwalk is rolling out a major redesign of its bus system today, cutting the number of local routes from 14 down to seven.

City officials say the new map simplifies the system while still covering nearly the same area.

Among the biggest changes: The separate WHEELS and shuttle routes are being folded into permanent lines.

The single hub on Burnell Boulevard is being replaced with three micro-hubs at Burnell, South Norwalk, and East Norwalk train stations.

“The main thing is the frequency,” said Matt Pentz, CEO of the Norwalk Transit District. “Any time people are really concerned, we remind them, on the main corridors, there’s 15-minute frequency, and that should really help.”

Riders like Aimee Hinton say the change is welcomed. “More buses is always good. There’s a lot of people that travel on the buses, so, yeah, it’s gonna be a good thing.”

The city will have staff on hand this morning to help riders navigate the new system.