CDTA and Partners Unveil Electric City Trolley
Shuttle to run Thursday-Saturday nights; linking Schenectady hot spots and attractions beginning June 22nd
SCHENECTADY, NY (June 20, 2017) The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) has partnered with several Schenectady organizations to launch the Electric City Trolley.
The pilot program will begin on Thursday, June 22 and operate Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Service will begin at 4:00 p.m. and conclude at 1:00 a.m. with a shuttle coming every 20 minutes. Schenectady-based software and logistics company, Transfinder, has developed an app, CityFinder, that allows users to track shuttle location and detailed points of interest.
The new service will offer convenient stops near key attractions, including Rivers Casino & Resort, Mohawk Harbor, the Schenectady Public Library, Hampton Inn, The Stockade, Amtrak Station, Proctors, Little Italy, State Street, Lower Union Street, DoubleTree Hotel and Courtyard Marriott.
“As the region’s mobility leader, we continually look for ways to expand our services and meet the needs of the communities we serve,” said David M. Stackrow, CDTA Board Chairman. “The Electric City Trolley is another way CDTA is responding. Along with our community partners, we are able to offer a fun, and convenient way to explore downtown and get around easily. Downtown Schenectady is experiencing a rebirth with new energy, construction, jobs and opportunity. We are pleased to be part of the development and the excitement that is evident throughout the city.”
“The Electric City Trolley will provide convenient transportation for residents and visitors from Schenectady’s downtown business district to the new development along the riverfront,” said Senator Jim Tedisco (R, C, I, REF-Glenville). “This is a win-win-win for Schenectady: a win for public safety and reducing drunk driving, a win for easing parking congestion, and a win for our local businesses who will see more visitors from this service,”
“As we continue to work towards achieving our goal of creating more sustainable, vibrant communities, the launch of the Electric City Trolley is exciting news for visitors, residents, and students in the Schenectady area,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. “This new partnership adds to a growing number of easy, convenient transportation options that help connect our communities and support local business.”
“This is a major development for our local community and our economy,” said Assemblymember Phil Steck (D-Colonie). “From the new Rivers Casino & Resort, to the historic Stockade, to Proctors Theatre, we have so many attractions and so much rich history to explore, right here in our own backyard. I’m excited that this new shuttle will allow residents and visitors to enjoy and experience everything Schenectady has to offer.”
“Our goal has been to make Schenectady County a true tourism destination that will attract visitors from throughout the region for meetings and conferences or to see a show or have dinner,” said Anthony Jasenski, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “Thank you to all of our partners for coming together to support this trolley that will connect the Rivers Casino to Proctors and so many of the art, cultural, entertainment, and leisure activities that our downtown has to offer.”
“As Schenectady becomes one of the first Smart Cities in the Empire State, I am excited to see the Electric City Trolley utilizing smart technology from Transfinder to drive customers to the wonderful businesses along the trolley route,” said Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy. “I am pleased that passengers on the new trolley utilizing Cityfinder will be able to discover what Schenectady has to offer.”
“We appreciate CTDA’s leadership in this effort to provide a new transportation service that will make it fun and easy to visit many downtown attractions as well as Rivers Casino & Resort and Mohawk Harbor,” said Ray Gillen, Chair of the Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority.
“We are very excited about the new trolley that will be running through downtown Schenectady,” said Antonio Civitella, President and CEO of Transfinder Corporation. “When we learned from CDTA about their plans, we were eager to be a part of this important initiative, and so we created our first mobile tourism app, Cityfinder. Users will be able to see where the trolley is in real-time and the times it will arrive at each stop. Our app also taps into Yelp information so users can see what’s happening at businesses along the route. We believe the trolley, in conjunction with the Cityfinder app, will drive traffic to local businesses.”
“The Electric City Trolley will be a tremendous boon to Schenectady, linking popular attractions and neighborhoods and further demonstrating the city’s status as an entertainment destination,” said Mary Cheeks, General Manager of Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady. “This is just another example of the renaissance that has taken hold in Schenectady, and Rivers Casino & Resort is proud to play a part in this economic revitalization.”
“Our objective with all of our developments has been to encourage connectivity both in transportation and accessibility,” said David M. Buicko, President and CEO of the Galesi Group. “CDTA, Metroplex, and the Sponsors have stepped up in a major way to create a transportation network between Mohawk Harbor and our downtown that will benefit customers, visitors, and residents of our City.”
“It’s fantastic!” said Proctors CEO Philip Morris. “This new shuttle is a perfect way to weave together Downtown, Proctors and the riverfront development.”
“The Electric City Trolley and Cityfinder app will provide a new level of convenience, connectivity and commerce,” said Mark Eagan, CEO of the Capital Region Chamber. “I want to commend the City, CDTA, MetroPlex, Rivers Casino, Transfinder and DSIC for bringing this new service to visitors and area residents.”
“CDTA’s new trolley service is a game changer for connecting the excitement of Rivers Casino and Mohawk Harbor with the fantastic restaurant, shops, services, and entertainment venues in the heart of Downtown Schenectady,” said James Salengo, Executive Director of the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation. “Pairing this transportation service with Transfinder’s new Cityfinder app is a great example of the innovation that always defined the Electric City.”