A fully electric shuttle service is now running in the Rockaways, offering eco-friendly transportation as part of a new program.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), in partnership with the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), announced the program’s launch on Monday, Sept. 23.
Circuit Transit Inc., the program’s facilitator, now provides accessible and affordable green transportation through its Rockaway Rides shuttle service. The shuttle program aims to provide transportation options in underserved communities and reduce emissions from the transportation sector, which, according to NYSERDA, is one of the state’s largest contributors to harmful emissions. The full-scale service follows a nine-month soft launch of the program in the Rockaways.
The Rockaway Rides service operates every weekday and is available from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Friday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
The company is also launching BrentwoodGo, a free on-demand shuttle service in Brentwood, Long Island, which will later switch to a $2.50 flat fare.
Circuit offers a fleet of varied electric vehicles, including six Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant vans that operate within the geo-fenced coverage areas. The Rockaway coverage area includes major destinations, including the Rockaway Beach boardwalk, MTA subway stations, and the Far Rockaway downtown area.
The Circuit shuttle service prioritized hiring driver ambassadors based locally around the Rockaways and neighboring areas of Queens and Brooklyn to operate the service. Two of the vehicles also feature artwork by Brooklyn-based contemporary artist José Parlá, reflecting the mural he created for the new Far Rockaway Library.
In 2022, Circuit received a $7 million award from LIPA to launch the program after winning one of the prizes in the Electric Mobility Challenge category of the New York Clean Transportation Prizes, administered by NYSERDA. PSEG Long Island, as an agent for LIPA, has been a partner throughout the service launch.
Alexander Esposito, CEO of Circuit, said the company is thrilled that NYSERDA and LIPA are committed to electric transportation. “The community partners have been incredibly supportive, and our whole team is thrilled to improve access and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Rockaways and now Brentwood,” he said in a statement.
Doreen M. Harris, President and CEO of NYSERDA, said the state is advancing clean and affordable transportation options through support for projects similar to Circuit’s. “The Rockaways and Long Island now have a clean transportation option that demonstrates a replicable model with the potential to be scaled statewide to increase access to and adoption of electric vehicles,” Harris said in a statement.
John Rhodes, acting chief executive officer of LIPA, said the electric shuttle service is a significant step toward ensuring accessible, affordable, and environmentally friendly transportation for New Yorkers who need it most.
“This initiative not only helps to solve the pressing climate crisis but also meets a critical community need. We are excited to partner with NYSERDA, PSEG Long Island, Circuit, and the Brentwood and Rockaways communities to offer this innovative service to our customers,” Rhodes said in a statement.
