NEW ALBANY, Ind. — A new two-year transportation pilot is set to begin next week in Clark and Floyd counties, offering residents rides for $2 to $4 each way. The Community Foundation of Southern Indiana is investing $2.45 million in the program, using a grant from Lilly Endowment, and has partnered with Blue River Services to operate it. The service is intended to expand access to jobs, grocery stores and medical appointments, including for people who have difficulty reaching public transit stops. Foundation CEO Linda Speed said transportation has repeatedly surfaced as a community need. She said the program is open to everyone and is meant to help residents take part more fully in community life. Blue River Services already provides transportation in parts of southern Indiana; the pilot will broaden its coverage across both counties. Riders generally need to call ahead to arrange pickups. Transportation director Roland Lemus said the service could be especially helpful to people who cannot easily walk to a bus stop or rely on relatives for rides. The pilot’s $2.45 million investment is intended to show whether the expanded service meets local needs and produces lasting benefits. Rides will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and Lemus said some requests may go unmet early on if demand is high. Residents can call 866-738-1681 to schedule a ride.