West Palm Beach DDA Extends Popular Free Electric Shuttle Program
October 25th, 2022
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (October 25, 2022) – Come on and take a free ride! The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) today announced an extension to its sponsorship of the Circuit on-demand shuttle program, which offers free rides to residents and visitors from place to place throughout Downtown and the Town of Palm Beach. The DDA’s program was launched in October 2021, and the response has been tremendous.
In just 12 months, ridership has grown 1,000 percent, from 1,100 passengers in September 2021 to more than 12,600 passengers in August 2022. That represents over 85,000 rides provided in the past 12 months, a reduction of more than 60 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, and the creation of 37 jobs for local residents as managers, supervisors and driver/ambassadors. In addition, since most of the rides are shared among passengers, this also reduces the total vehicles miles traveled on Downtown streets.
“As Downtown continues to add new residents and workers, and attract more visitors to hotels, the need for convenient mobility options also grows. We’re very pleased with the positive response to Circuit as people look to move around Downtown and beyond without the need for their personal vehicles,” said Raphael Clemente, executive director of the DDA. “Every passenger on these electric, emission free vehicles helps to reduce parking demand in our city center and greenhouse gases in our atmosphere.”
Rides can be scheduled through the Circuit app available at ridecircuit.com. The service is available 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.
The Circuit shuttle uses 100-percent electric vehicles, promoting better air quality while offering a first-mile/last-mile transportation option that is convenient and easy to use. Free rides are available between any two locations within the Circuit zone, available at DowntownWPB.com/Circuit. Gratuities for Circuit drivers are appreciated but never required.
The Circuit shuttle and Downtown Trolley are just two of the many DDA initiatives aimed at improving downtown life and supporting downtown businesses. Other programs include the Downtown Clean Team, the Security Ambassadors, a homeless outreach program, and marketing and public relations support.
About the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority
The West Palm Beach DDA is an independent taxing district created in 1967 by a special act of the Florida Legislature. Its mission is to promote and enhance a safe, vibrant Downtown for our residents, businesses and visitors through the strategic development of economic, social and cultural opportunities.
For more information about the DDA or Downtown West Palm Beach, please visit DowntownWPB.com or call the DDA at (561) 833-8873.