New York State Adirondack High Peaks Region Shuttle Feasibility Study

Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, Technical Reference Center2021PDFTech ReportLian, F. ScottRichardson, HeatherEnglin, EricIreland, LarissaJohn A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)New York State Department of Environmental ConservationJohn A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)New YorkShuttle serviceShuttle busesFeasibility analysisRecreationStakeholdersTraffic modelsTraffic congestionElectric busesTransportation studyrecreational accessfleet electricificationbattery electric busesDOT-VNTSC-NYSDEC-21-010022238VPQ60020Technical memorandum - April 2021The New York State Adirondack High Peaks Region Shuttle Feasibility Study establishes the current road, parking, congestion, and travel pattern trends within the region. Also documented is the stakeholder outreach process to gather feedback on visitation trends, issues, and a shuttle bus service in general. The report then identifies popular recreation destinations, those that are suitable as shuttle bus pick-up/drop-off locations (stops), and delves into potential future scenarios for a shuttle bus service. Initially the study aimed to present three concept scenarios together, representing different functional elements or levels of service. Due to circumstances that arose through the course of the project related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic; this report presents a potential pilot core service guided by what would be possible given present conditions, existing vehicles, and a specified amount of available funds ($800k). A subsequent deliverable will explore two potential future scenarios that provide different functional benefits that may serve the interests of recreational users exclusively, or may provide benefits to other stakeholders. The pilot service scenario detailed in this report includes cost estimates based on both hourly and mileage rates from similar services, discusses the benefits and considerations of servicing the route with a split- or continuous-service, and includes recommendations for complementary activities to support the piloting of a new shuttle service.119