Hop on 'Hoppy.' Nyack's free shuttle aims to make getting around a breeze
It's called "Hoppy," and it's free. It's a six-person electric shuttle service that Nyack Mayor Joe Rand says is needed for numerous reasons.
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There will soon be a new way to get around Nyack.
It's called "Hoppy," and it's free. It's a six-person electric shuttle service that Nyack Mayor Joe Rand says is needed for numerous reasons.
"One is to alleviate some of the stress on the downtown parking, some of the demand," said Rand. "It's also for mobility issues for some of the people who might have them."
The shuttle cost $50,000, but the village got a grant from Rockland County to purchase it. It'll cost between $30,000 and $40,000 to run it.
"That's going to be covered by a hotel tax that we put into place a couple of years ago, so no property tax money is being paid for this," said Rand.
Rand says there's also an opportunity to advertise local businesses on the shuttle. He says he is also planning on partially funding the operating cost through advertising dollars.
Local business owners say they welcome the idea.
"Parking is always kind of a drag, as it were. That will eliminate some of that aggravation," said John Dunnigan, owner of Pickwick Book Shop.
"There's always an option for them to get a free ride into town and peruse the town and spend some money here," said Caroline Spindel, a part-owner of The Rock Shop.
Many people in town said they didn't know about the shuttle, but they look forward to using it.
"I think it will liven up the downtown area and let it be more accessible for people to come down and visit," said Nyack resident Ida.
Rand expects the shuttle to arrive by the summer.
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