Suffolk County, NY - September 8, 2017 - Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone today announced the official launch of the “Experience the North Fork by Trolley” shuttle service that will operate for 10 straight Saturdays beginning tomorrow, September 9 to November 11. The scheduled service will be divided into two service phases: Phase one will service the Greenport loop from September 9t to October 7, and Phase two will serve the Mattituck-Peconic loop from October 14 to November 11.
“We are excited to introduce this new experiential trolley service on the North Fork to serve our residents and visitors,” said Suffolk County Executive Bellone. “Suffolk County’s North Fork is quickly becoming a top tourist destination and it is as scenic as it is historic. Our goal is to share this experience with our residents and visitors in a stress-free fashion that is important to enhancing tourism in our region.”
The trolley service will cost $10 for standard all-day pass, $3 for senior citizens, and kids under the age of three ride for free. Customers are encourage to download the “Go North Fork” App to track the location of the trolley. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at https://www.hamptonluxuryliner.com/.
The trolley services will complement existing transit services such as ferries, the Long Island Rail Road, Suffolk Transit, and private bus services. In addition, they will provide an affordable and reliable connection between the North Fork’s unique downtowns, businesses and natural assets. Visitors will be able to leave their cars behind while experiencing North Fork wine country and the local farms, parks, B&B and shops that characterize this unique region.
Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell said: “We look forward to this opportunity and to what we hope will be a popular new solution toward Southold’s traffic issues.”
Richard Vandenburgh, Founder The Greenport Harbor Brewing Company: “Greenport Brewery is excited to support this pilot project that demonstrates the positive impact collective thought leadership of local businesses with local government can have. Affording greater patron mobility through this type of project not only serves our neighboring businesses but is also sensitive to the traffic congestion that residents see as an increasing challenge on the North Fork. So we at the Brewery are always supportive of any good idea that keeps "the Green" in Greenport and the North Fork.”
“The wineries on the East End are tightly woven into our communities. The Long Island Wine Council is excited to be one of the sponsors of the North Fork Trolley Launch and hope that the public will use this wonderful means of transportation to explore the East End.,” said Roman Roth, President of the Long Island Wine Council. “Safe travels, meet new friends, taste world class wines and enjoy all the great things the East End has to offer.”
Theresa Ward, Deputy County Executive and Commissioner Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning said: “I applaud the Town of Southold and Village of Greenport for working with us and the private sector in supporting this innovative and entertaining way to experience the North Fork. It will have meaningful impact on local businesses and the agricultural industry.”
The North Fork attracts visitors looking to experience its farms, vineyards, fisheries, restaurants, shopping, and exceptional natural assets, including beaches, historic landmarks, and open spaces. As such, Suffolk County is supporting a $200,000 Empire State Development grant application to extend trolley services in 2018 for a full Spring to Fall season. The application also proposed to extend trolley services into the Town of Riverhead.
Suffolk County Economic Development & Planning had been working with multiple partners in the region to help develop transportation options in the region that will reduce traffic and create convenient tourist experiences. These partners include the North Fork Promotion Council, the East End Tourism Alliance, the Long Island Wine Council, the Town of Southold, the Village of Greenport, and the Long Island Railroad.