HAMPTON BAYS, NY — Southampton Town is poised to unveil new trolley service for Hampton Bays this summer, making it easier for visitors and residents alike to get around the hamlet and avail themselves of all there is to enjoy at area restaurants, shops and beaches.
The trolley will be operated by Hampton Luxury Liner, and is partially funded with a $10,000 grant from the Southampton Town.
The shuttle service will originates at the Long Island Railroad Station on the hour between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., six days a week; the trolley does not run on Wednesdays.
Trolley service begins with free rides for everyone the weekend of June 17. A small fare will be charged beginning the weekend of June 24.
Service will cost $5 per drop off and $10 for a daily “unlimited rides” ticket.
Fares for seniors and children will cost $3 per drop off and $8 for unlimited rides. Children under 3 will ride for free. There is also an unlimited ride seasonal pass available for $100.
Beginning June 30 through September 4, the shuttle will expand service from weekends to include weekday service every day except Wednesdays.
“The new shuttle service will help support local businesses in Hampton Bays and provide a fun and easy way for residents and tourists to get around without adding to traffic,” said Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman.
Here’s a rundown of the routes the trolley will take:
After pick up at the Long Island Railroad Station, the trolley takes off on the first run, known as the “Beach Run” and heads down Ponquogue Avenue for Ponquogue Beach.
The trolley will make several stops for drop off and pick-up, but it can also be flagged down and will stop where it can safely pull over, according to a release from Southampton Town Supevisor Jay Schneiderman’s office.
On the first leg of the “Beach Run”, the trolley will drop off and pick up at the Ponquogue Pavilion. From the beach, it turns around at the Shinnecock Inlet for drop off or pick up at the county parking lot. On return, it stops at the entrance to the Edward J. Warner Sr. Marine Park.
On the second leg of the “Beach Run” the shuttle heads back over Ponquogue Bridge, up Ponquogue Avenue and then, for a stop at the Hampton Bays Community Center in downtown Hampton Bays.
From the Community Center, the trolley proceeds on the second run, known as the “Bay Run” and travels east on Montauk Highway for a stop at the county bus stop just west of the entrance to the King Kullen parking lot.
The trolley makes another stop just west of Canoe Place Road and travels north up Canal Road with a stop and turnaround by Meschutt Beach.
Next, the trolley heads back west along Montauk Highway with a stop at Maritime Park on Newtown Road near the Southampton Town Parks Department office.
The trolley continues west along Montauk Highway and stops at the county bus stop just west of Canoe Place Road, then makes another stop at the county bus stop just east of Squiretown Road. The shuttle stops at the new Good Ground Park and amphitheater, and travels back west on Montauk Highway with a stop at the Suffolk County bus stop at Springville Road before heading back to the LIRR station.
Each run is expected to take 30 minutes; each leg of each run is expected to take 15 minutes, the release said.
A similar plan for shuttle service in Southold Town was discussed at Tuesday’s town board work session.
Patch photo courtesy of Southampton Town.
