It’s fun to zip around Downtown Long Beach without a care about traffic and parking. The City of Long Beach is about to make this much easier, offering a FREE electric micro-shuttle provided by Circuit Transit Inc. for anyone 18 years and older within popular shopping, dining, and sightseeing destinations.
Expected to start on November 17, just in time for the holiday shopping season, you’ll be able to access the free shuttles during specific times on Thusdays through Sundays. Passengers must be within the service area to be eligible for free rides. The shuttles, which can seat five passengers at a time, can be summoned through Circuit’s mobile app, or they can be hailed in person, old-school style. An ADA-accessible shuttle will also be available.
“Nearly five years after an extremely successful pilot program, Circuit is thrilled to be returning service back to the residents and visitors of Downtown Long Beach,’’ said Daniel Kramer, Vice President, Operations and Business Develop, Circuit. “As a Long Beach resident, I’ve seen first hand the tremendous growth that Long Beach has experienced over the last few years, furthering the need for a convenient, affordable and sustainable transportation service.”
Last month, City Council approved a two-year, $1.6 million contract with Circuit to provide free shuttle service on two separate routes. For Downtown Long Beach, this includes Downtown, the Waterfront, and Alamitos Beach. The complete range of Downtown service extends from Cherry Avenue to Magnolia Avenue. In a route designed only for the Belmont Shore area, including Alamitos Bay Landing and Naples, the shuttle will be available from Livingston Drive to the Seal Beach border, including stops at the 2nd and PCH shopping center. Check the app for specific details, locations, timing and availability.
“Circuit’s service will help residents and visitors connect to other forms of transportation, reduce single occupancy vehicle trips and help local businesses recover post-pandemic. We look forward to being a part of the local community and working with local stakeholders to expand the reach of our service over the next few years and beyond,” Kramer added.
Long Beach Public Works Director Eric Lopez provided the inaugural shuttle schedule for both areas, noting that hours could change based on demand:
- Thursdays and Fridays: 4pm to 10pm
- Saturdays: Noon to 10pm
- Sundays: Noon to 6pm
This free shuttle service has been on the minds of City officials, who are aware of improving the parking situations in both areas. Helping avoid this problem and helping local businesses recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are the two main factors driving the creation of the free shuttle service, which is funded by federal and state relief aid and county transportation revenue.
As the holiday season approaches, this new shuttle may prompt you to do a re-think about your upcoming shopping excursions. It’s a free and refreshingly easy way to navigate Downtown and Belmont Shore, two areas of town rich in shopping opportunities and good times in general.