Bally’s is betting big on the Bronx, launching a free shuttle bus service beginning Oct. 1 as part of its takeover of the former Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point.
“Our patrons are at the heart of every decision we make. With this shuttle bus service, we’re confident of elevating their experience and demonstrating our long term commitment to this community,” said Bally’s Golf Links general manager Brian Crowell.
The 20-passenger, wheel-chair accessible Bally’s Bus will be available from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, running a loop about every 30 minutes.
Bally’s decided to provide a shuttle bus connecting key commercial corridors and Ferry Point following talks with elected officials and business leaders who emphasized the need for transportation between the Ferry Point golf course and property and Bronx neighborhoods.
The gaming firm has plans to expand its footprint on the Ferry Point property, including applying for a state license to open a casino.
The 10-stop shuttle bus route that’ll be formally announced ;Monday will include:
- Stop 1: Bally’s Golf Links.
- Stop 2: Lafayette Avenue and Hutchinson River Parkway.
- Stop 3: Cross Bronx Expressway Extension and East Tremont Avenue.
- Stop 4: Randall Avenue and East Tremont Avenue.
- Stop 5: Lafayette Avenue and East Tremont Avenue.
- Stop 6: Bruckner Boulevard and East Tremont Avenue.
- Stop 7: Waterbury Avenjue and East Tremont Avenue.
- Stop 8: 2995 East Tremont Avenue.
- Stop 9: Westchester Square Subway.
- Stop 10: 815 Hutchinson River Parkway.
Bronx officials and merchants applauded the service.
“This district needs more transit options and I am thrilled to see this shuttle connecting our neighborhoods as well as bringing more New Yorkers to the Bronx,” said state Sen. Nathalia Fernandez (D-Bronx), who represents a portion of the district the shuttle will service.
“The Bally’s partnership to bring about this free shuttle lends strong support to local small businesses and benefits all residents. I’m encouraged by how they made sure community concerns were heard and quickly acted on during this process.”
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson noted the Bally’s shuttle would also help boost tourism.
“One of the main focuses of our administration is turning the Bronx into a haven of opportunities. The Bally’s ferry shuttle aligns perfectly with our vision of connecting our small businesses to consumers and spotlighting our cultural establishments,” Gibson said. “It’s about bringing visitors back to the Bronx and promoting economic growth.”
Assemblyman Michael Benedetto and Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez, who reps neighborhoods along the shuttle bus route, also gave a thumbs up — as did a business advocate.
“The community will benefit greatly from this partnership,” said Throgs Neck Business Improvement District executive director Bob Jaen. “We are proud that Bronx businesses are getting the support and recognition they deserve with this shuttle. We look forward to nurturing future growth in Throgs Neck with the help of Bally’s.”
The Trump Organization sold its contract to operate the Ferry Point links — a 20-year lease struck in 2015 that former Mayor Bill de Blasio aimed to cancel after the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol seige — to Bally’s in a deal worth tens of millions of dollars, The Post previously reported.
In addition to taking over the lease to the 180-acre site, which includes the wind-swept public course, Bally’s plans to buy the 17 acres the golf course sits on — and has agreed to buy another 17 acres nearby that it will donate to the Parks Department, a deal that would ultimately need state approval.
Bally’s Corporation owns and manages 15 casinos across 10 states, a horse race track in Colorado and offers online sports betting and iGaming.
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