Dollaride partnered with The Point Community Development Corporation (CDC) to provide an electric vehicle (EV) shuttle service in Hunts Point, Bronx. This initiative aimed to enhance community access to local beachfront parks by offering a sustainable transportation option. The project involved operating one to two 14-passenger electric shuttle vans on weekends for 32 days, following a fixed route from Hunts Point Center to designated park locations.

In the end, the shuttle demonstrated a 65% emissions reduction (compared to gas-powered vans) and enhanced recreational mobility for underserved residents. This pilot also demonstrated the ability for the Clean Transit Access Program (CTAP) to connect local drivers and fleet owners with clean transportation opportunities.

About DOLLARIDE

Dollaride is a micro-transit company based in Brooklyn, NY, focused on sustainable mobility for underserved communities. For this project, Dollaride provided the electric vehicle, driver, and managed shuttle operations.

About THE POINT CDC

The Point Community Development Corporation is a nonprofit based in Hunts Point, Bronx. As the community lead, The Point CDC identified the transportation need, engaged local stakeholders, and facilitated outreach and communication with residents to promote shuttle usage.

ABOUT ENCODE

Encode Energy, a New York-based fleet electrification software startup, contributed route and emissions modeling, total cost of ownership (TCO) projections, and battery performance simulations to evaluate the feasibility and environmental benefits of the electric shuttle service.

Key Outcomes and Impact Metrics

~90 miles driven daily over 25 service loops.
65% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to an ICE Ford Transit on the same route.
Estimated 2,950 lbs of CO₂ abated per year based on Encode’s route simulations.
Improved access to waterfront parks for underserved Hunts Point residents.

Project Overview

Hunts Point is a waterfront community facing long-standing transportation gaps, particularly concerning access to local parks. Despite being surrounded by water, limited public transit options made it difficult for residents to reach beachfront recreational spaces. This EV shuttle initiative aimed to fill that gap by providing a reliable, clean transportation solution during peak recreational periods on weekends.

OBJECTIVES

The Point to Point EV Shuttle Service was driven by several key objectives, all aimed at improving the Hunts Point community and promoting sustainability.

Improve Access to Parks
Eliminate transportation barriers and provide scheduled, reliable weekend access to local beachfront parks.
Promote Sustainable Transportation
Operate fully electric vans to reduce pollution and promote cleaner mobility.
Enhance Community Well-being
Support physical and mental health by improving access to outdoor recreational areas.

PROJECT DETAILS

Vehicle and Operations

EV Used: The project utilized one 14-passenger capacity Ford E-transit commuter van. The shuttle vans were equipped with magnetic signage and other promotional materials to clearly identify the service and its purpose.

**Trained Driver**

Dollaride secured a trained and experienced commuter van operator, Winston Williams (Blackstreet Van Lines), to operate the shuttle service, ensuring safe and reliable transportation for the community.

Nearby infrastructure: In addition to the overnight charging base located in Brownsville, Brooklyn NY, Dollaride identified nearby charging stations in the Bronx for the vehicle to recharge during breaks, if needed.

Schedule and Route

Service: The service provided was a weekend electric shuttle service. The shuttle operated for a total of 32 days, on Saturdays, Sundays, and some Mondays.

Shuttle Route

The shuttle followed a fixed route that originated from the Hunts Point Center and made stops at three designated beachfront parks. This fixed route was designed to provide direct and consistent access to the key recreational destinations in the area.

Technology and Data

In this study, the Encode Energy route tool was used to:

Model EV miles driven, energy usage, battery usage, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions given the planned route.
Encode also models Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), creating a view of the cost to Dollaride to own and operate electric vehicles, inclusive of insurance, maintenance, charging, and electricity costs.
Test runs conducted were modeled against completing 25 revolutions on The Point's routes, totaling approximately 90 miles of driving per day.

IMPACT AND OUTCOMES

Environmental impact

The use of electric vehicles significantly reduced the environmental impact compared to traditional gasoline-powered shuttles. By operating electric vans, the project contributed to lower air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in the Hunts Point area.

A full day on the route consisted of approximately 25 revolutions, totaling ~90 miles of driving.
The vehicle is estimated to complete the circuit with a battery starting at 96% and a low charge threshold between 15-20%.
An estimated 65% reduction in emissions was observed compared to an ICE Ford Transit running the same route, projectinga reduction of approximately 2,950 lbs of CO2 per year. (from Encode simulation)

Community Impact

The project successfully facilitated access to shoreline parks for the Hunts Point community. The provision of a dedicated shuttle service removed transportation barriers and provided a reliable option for residents. The use of electric vehicles promoted environmental sustainability, and the project's success in enhancing the quality of life for community members set the stage for future projects in the area.

Driver Feedback

Modifying the shuttle to support the B6 bus line

Winston suggested aligning the shuttle route more closely with the B6 bus line. This modification would allow for better integration with existing public transit, providing seamless transfers and expanding the reach of both services. By supporting the B6 bus line, the shuttle could effectively serve as a feeder route, increasing overall ridership and utility.

Need for bidirectional routes instead of loops
The 2024 loop route might not be the most efficient. Instead, implementing bidirectional routes was recommended. Bidirectional routes would ensure that people could travel in both directions without having to complete a full loop, enhancing convenience.

Targeting high-demand areas like nearby marketplaces and shops

Certain areas, such as nearby marketplaces and shops, experienced high foot traffic and could benefit from shuttle service. By redirecting or extending the route to include these high-demand locations, the shuttle could cater to a larger number of potential riders and address a specific transportation need within the community.

Conclusion

The Point to Parks EV Shuttle Service demonstrated the significant impact micro-transit solutions can address transportation gaps and improve community access to recreational areas in locations like Hunts Point, Bronx.

Key findings

A full charge completed a full day on the route – consisting of approximately 25 revolutions, totaling ~90 miles of driving.
An estimated 65% reduction in emissions compared to an ICE Ford Transit and approximately 2,950 lbs of CO2 abated (from Encode simulation).
Dollaride successfully provided the necessary vehicles, technology, and operational expertise, while The Point CDC brought deep community knowledge and facilitated local engagement.
This collaboration allowed the service to introduce clean transportation to the local community and contributed to The Point CDC's broader revitalization efforts.

Recommendations

Suggestions for route modifications to better support the B6 bus line and target high-demand areas.
Explore opportunities to add bidirectional routes instead of loops.
Enhance advertising and promotion efforts to increase awareness and ridership.

Final thoughts

The Dollaride EV Shuttle Service in Hunts Point represents a significant step towards providing sustainable and equitable transportation options in disadvantaged communities throughout NYC. While there are areas for improvement, the project successfully demonstrated the potential for electric micro-transit to enhance community connectivity and quality of life.

By facilitating access to beachfront parks, the service contributed to recreational opportunities and environmental sustainability. Future iterations of the project, informed by data and community feedback, can further maximize its impact and serve as a model for similar initiatives in other underserved communities.

EV Shuttle Case Study: "Point to Parks", Hunts Point, Bronx