HIA-LI and Circuit Transit, Inc., a leading provider of electric vehicle (EV) mobility solutions, today held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the launch of BrentwoodGo, an accessible, eco-friendly transportation service in an underserved community.

The event was held at the Custom Computer Specialists, where the company’s new EV charging stations have recently been completed, and featured remarks from local elected officials and stakeholders that have supported the implementation of the new, affordable, on demand transportation service in Brentwood and Hauppauge.

As a winner in the Electric Mobility Challenge category of the $85 million New York Clean Transportation Prizes, administered by the New York Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Circuit received a $7 million award funded by LIPA to launch its Rockaway Rides and BrentwoodGo programs. PSEG Long Island, as an agent for LIPA, has been a partner throughout the service launch.

Alexander Esposito, CEO of Circuit, said, “This entire program is exciting. We were thrilled to see NYSERDA and LIPA commit to electric transportation, honored that our project was chosen, and most excited to see the services now come to life. The community partners have been incredibly supportive and our whole team is thrilled to improve access and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Rockaways and now Brentwood.”

Doreen M. Harris, President and CEO of NYSERDA, said, “Through support for projects like Circuit’s, the State is advancing clean and affordable mobility options for New Yorkers while removing transportation barriers in underserved communities. The Rockaways and Long Island now have a clean transportation option that demonstrates a replicable model with potential to be scaled statewide to increase access to and adoption of electric vehicles.”

John Rhodes, Acting Chief Executive Officer of LIPA, said, “Circuit’s electric shuttle service in Brentwood and the Rockaways is a significant step towards ensuring clean, accessible, and affordable transportation for those who need it most. This initiative not only helps to solve the pressing climate crisis but also meets a critical community need. We are excited to partner with NYSERDA, PSEG Long Island, Circuit, and the Brentwood and Rockaways communities to offer this innovative service to our customers.”

Rory M. Christian, CEO of the Department of Public Service, said, “The Department and the Public Service Commission has been laser focused on expanding clean and affordable mobility options for New Yorkers. This project creates a clean transportation model that can be replicated elsewhere, which is good for Long Island and good for New York State.”

On September 23, 2024, the company began a soft launch of the on-demand transportation service in Brentwood at no cost, before transitioning to a flat-rate fare of $2.50 early in 2025. BrentwoodGo operates from Monday through Friday, and rides can be requested through the Ride Circuit app from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information on the service and how to catch a ride, visit www.ridecircuit.com.

Johanna Coronado, an employee at Custom Computer Specialists, has been using the service since the September 23 soft launch. “During these hard times, this service is so helpful and so needed for many people, including myself,” she said. “I was so grateful to see my easy-to-find car waiting for me when I got off the train. The cars are very clean, on time, and the drivers have been very polite.” Coronado added that the service is saving her $30 a day in commuting costs.

Terri Alessi-Miceli, President and CEO of HIA-LI, said, “This launch is a milestone for the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge, where we are always looking to create value for our members. BrentwoodGo will provide an affordable and sustainable way for employees and visitors to navigate the park, reduce traffic, and help our community go green. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”

Michael Voltz, Director of Energy Efficiency and Renewables for PSEG Long Island, said, “PSEG Long Island is proud to support Circuit, a New York Clean Transportation Prize winner, as it brings its low-cost, electric ride service to Brentwood and the Rockaways. PSEG Long Island, as an agent to the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), funds projects like this to help more equitably distribute clean, efficient transportation options at a reasonable cost. Along with providing safe and reliable power, it’s another way we are supporting our communities.”

Circuit offers a fleet of varied electric vehicles, including six Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant vans that operate within the coverage areas. The Brentwood coverage area includes major destinations across Brentwood, the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge, and Suffolk County Community College. Pick-ups and drop-offs can be requested from a number of fixed spots at key locations, including the Brentwood and Deer Park Long Island Rail Road stations.

Melanie Carsch, Assistant Director of Sustainability at Suffolk Community College, said, “Suffolk County Community College is primarily a commuter campus, where single passenger vehicles are the predominant mode of transportation, making it difficult for students who do not own or operate a car to get to and from campus. BrentwoodGo will help to ease traffic and crowded parking lots while saving students time and money.”

In addition to introducing a sustainable transportation option and reducing congestion, the Circuit shuttle service provides local employment opportunities. Circuit prioritized hiring a team of driver ambassadors based locally around Brentwood, the Rockaways, and neighboring areas of Queens and Brooklyn to operate the services.

The New York Clean Transportation Prizes program was established by the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) and is funded by investor-owned utilities through the PSC’s $1.2 billion EV Make Ready Program  to boost access to charging stations, electric vehicle infrastructure and other clean transportation options, and support equitable access and benefits for lower-socioeconomic and disadvantaged communities. LIPA chose to partner on the New York Clean Transportation Prizes program to fund the award for Long Island and the Rockaways under the Electric Mobility Challenge.

ABOUT HIA-LI

Now in its 46th year, HIA-LI is one of Long Island’s largest business advocacy organizations. It also represents the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge, the largest industrial park in the Northeast. The park supports 55,000 jobs, produces $13 billion in goods and services each year, and accounts for eight percent of Long Island’s gross domestic product. For more information, go to www.HIA-LI.org.

ABOUT CIRCUIT

Circuit is an innovative electric shuttle company, dedicated to making communities more sustainable, livable, and connected. Operating in NY, NJ, DC, FL, CA, MA, and TX, Circuit offers on-demand solutions that have provided over eight million eco-friendly rides without traveling more than a few miles. Addressing the vital first/last-mile gap, Circuit bridges urban connectivity divides through partnerships with municipalities, developers, and advertising partners. Discover more and learn how to catch a ride at www.ridecircuit.com.