By Marianne Christy
One of three shuttles that will transport visitors and residents around the Thendara/Old Forge area during the busy summer season was delivered to CAP-21 on Thursday, June 11.
Birnie Bus Service representative Calla Perrilloux and Dana Crisino of Herkimer/Oneida County Transportation were joined by Webb Supervisor Ted Riehle, CAP-21 Director Nick Rose and Webb Tourism Director Mike Farmer in a test run of the shuttle route conducted by Birnie Bus Service driver, Melissa Keneally.
The free shuttle service will drop passengers at various stops from Van Auken’s Inne to Hollister’s Trading Post, with scheduled side trips to McCauley Mountain. Hours of operation and the travel routes will be available prior to the scheduled first day of operation on Friday, June 18.
The three shuttle buses will be on-site daily with two operating continuously, and one available for back up. They will operate Thursday through Sunday until September 6.
Primary drivers will be supplied by Birnie Bus Service, however a pool of local drivers will be enlisted to fill the schedule when regular staff drivers are not available.
Shuttle drivers must have at least a Class B CDL with passenger endorsement. Birnie Bus will provide training and registrations so the local drivers are certified to drive the company’s shuttles.
According to Tourism Director Farmer, advertising opportunities are available inside the shuttles, and exterior space will be available soon.
The shuttle service is made possible by primary sponsors Herkimer County, the Town of Webb and the Central Adirondack Association. Business sponsors include VIEW, Van Auken’s Inne, Hollister’s Trading Post, and Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company.