A new shuttle service now provides on-demand transportation in and around the Long Island Innovation Park in Hauppauge. BrentwoodGo is providing electric vehicles aiming to offer affordable, eco-friendly transportation for employees who work at the industrial park, as well as visitors.
The service, with its $2.50 fare, is expected to especially benefit those commuting to the park from the Long Island Rail Road station in Brentwood, as well as those who live in Brentwood and work at the industrial park but lack reliable transportation.
“This launch is a milestone for the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge, where we are always looking to create value for our members,” Terri Alessi-Miceli, president and CEO of HIA-LI, which oversees the industrial park, said in a news release about the service.
The industrial park comprises more than 1,350 companies and 55,000 employees. The service is expected to help alleviate traffic and minimize the environmental impact.
“BrentwoodGo will provide an affordable and sustainable way for employees and visitors to navigate the park, reduce traffic and help our community go green,” Alessi-Miceli said.
The service is a result of a key recommendation from an opportunity analysis of the industrial park. The 2019 analysis, “Growth Strategies and Regional Competitiveness,” was developed by James Lima Planning + Development and the Regional Plan Association. The analysis included a need for viable transportation options for the local workforce to boost internal and external connections to the industrial park.
BrentwoodGo is operated by Circuit, an electric, micro-transit provider founded in 2011. With the offering just getting underway, BrentwoodGo is free during a limited introductory period and will then be available at the $2.50 fixed fare. BrentwoodGo comprises six electric sedans and one wheelchair-accessible van. Circuit’s electric vehicles will charge and park at a base station hosted by Custom Computer Specialists in the industrial park. As the program expands, additional electric vans will be added to the fleet.
Circuit received a $7 million award funded by the Long Island Power Authority to launch BrentwoodGo as well as another program, Rockaway Rides. Circuit received that award as a winner in the Electric Mobility Challenge category of the $85 million New York Clean Transportation Prizes, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
Riders can use the service by downloading the Ride Circuit app, and then selecting their pick-up location. The service is available weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. It can be used for running errands, attending appointments and more with the industrial park and the surrounding area.
Both the HIA-LI and Circuit say this is the first phase of the service, hoping there will be a wider roll-out across Long Island.
“The implementation of BrentwoodGo is an exciting and innovative solution to improve transportation in our park,” Carol Allen, chair of HIA-LI, said in the news release. “This program demonstrates HIA-LI’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, positioning the LI-IPH as a forward-thinking business hub.”
“This new transportation service is an excellent example of how public-private partnerships can lead to innovative solutions that benefit the broader business community,” Joe Campolo, HIA-LI board member, chair of HIA-LI’s Long Island Economic Development Task Force and managing partner of Campolo Middleton & McCormick, said in the news release. “It will enhance the attractiveness of the LI-IPH for new and existing businesses, creating opportunities for growth and development.”
Alex Esposito, CEO of Circuit, spoke about his company’s commitment to environmentally-friendly transportation options.
“At Circuit, we’re passionate about providing convenient, affordable, and eco-friendly transportation options,” he said in the news release. “Launching our service at the LI-IPH aligns perfectly with our mission to reduce emissions, curb congestion and connect people to their destinations in a smarter way.”