WHITE PLAINS, NY — George Latimer rode a bus on Friday.
The bus ride was part of a publicity effort to raise awareness of a new marketing plan by Westchester County aimed at increasing ridership on the Bee-Line system. Ridership is down since the pandemic.
The campaign is destination focused, and includes colorful imagery of the Bee-Line Bus and locations throughout Westchester County, with catchy headlines.
The County has made a number of health and safety improvements on the buses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. New features on the buses are as follows:
- All bus drivers and riders are required to wear a mask on the bus at all times.
- Plexiglas shields have been installed around where the bus drivers sit.
- All new electric and hybrid-electric buses are significantly cleaner and more energy efficient, reducing our impact on the environment.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer is encouraging residents and visitors to use Bee-Line buses to travel throughout Westchester this summer.
Latimer said: “The Bee-Line System is a great way to travel in Westchester. I encourage everyone to take the Bee-Line to your morning meeting, to visit with a friend, to an afternoon matinee or an evening concert this summer. Our buses are clean, comfortable and most importantly — safe. Take a ride and experience it for yourself.”
Metro-North President Catherine Rinaldi said: “There are so many family-friendly events and venues that are open this summer and easily accessible by public transportation. We are proud to partner with Westchester County as we bring back many discounts and incentives for customers to ride the train and the bus safely and often.”
Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Transportation Hugh Greechan said: “We are excited to launch this new marketing campaign to make more people aware of the bus system here in Westchester County. The Bee-Line gives you the freedom and independence to explore and enjoy the many destinations in Westchester County and beyond. With over 3,300 bus stops and almost 60 routes, you are never too far away from getting where you need to go.”
Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Planning Norma Drummond said: “The Bee-Line provides safe and reliable service for commuters, shoppers and those wanting to spend a day at the park. Taking the bus is a great travel option because it is less stressful, and better for the environment.”
Additional Bee-Line buses have been added this summer to Playland Park, so that riders can enjoy a full day of rides, food and family fun. If people want to stay at Playland later on Friday and Saturday nights, additional buses have been added at 10:45 p.m.
The Westchester County Bee-Line system serves over 27 million passengers annually, with convenient service connecting riders to work, recreation, shopping and beyond. Over 65 percent of County residents live within walking distance of a Bee-Line bus route, making the bus both close and convenient for travel throughout Westchester.
The Bee-Line is fully accessible for seniors and includes “kneeling” steps, wheelchair ramps and designated courtesy seating. Reduced rates for seniors are also available.
Riders can travel to thousands of destinations across the County on the Bee-Line, including Westchester County’s parks, pools and beaches, shopping, business districts and more.
For more information about the Bee-Line Bus, visit the website.
Watch the Full Press Conference here.
Watch a Behind-the-Scenes Video of the Bee-Line Bus here and here.
Did he pay for the bus fare ? New Rochelle has the free shuttle bus I’ll take you anywhere you want to go why would someone want to pay for a bus