MAYVILLE, NY – Just in time for the Independence Day holiday weekend, CHQ Transit is proud to launch its new Tourism Routes, offering a unique and enjoyable experience for both tourists and residents. These routes will operate on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, starting this Friday July 5, 2024
The South County routes are designed to highlight key attractions:
- Thursdays: Stops include Jamestown, Bemus Point, and Midway State Park.
- Fridays: The route starts at 3rd Street and Prendergast Avenue, travels to the Southern Tier Brewery, Ashville General Store, and Panama Rocks.
- Saturdays: The route starts in Jamestown, stops in Bemus Point, proceeds to Midway State Park, and ends at the Chautauqua Institution, looping throughout the day.
The North County routes offers a delightful journey through several wineries and lakefront destinations:
- Thursdays: Starting at the Clarion Hotel, stops include the Dunkirk Pier, Fredonia Barker Commons, 21 Brix Winery, Elm Street in Westfield, the Grape Discovery Center, Mazza Winery, and Noble Winery.
- Fridays: Visits to the Dunkirk Pier, Fredonia Barker Commons, Liberty Vineyards & Winery, Merritt Estate Winery, Willow Creek Winery, and Sunset Bay Beach Club.
- Saturdays: The route begins at the Clarion Hotel, travels to the Dunkirk Pier, Fredonia Barker Commons, Elm Street in Westfield, Mayville's four corners, and then loops at the Chautauqua Institution.
A comprehensive breakdown of the tourism routes, including detailed maps with estimated arrival times, is available online at: chqgov.com/carts/CHQTransit.
This exciting development is part of the Chautauqua Area Regional Transit System's modernization initiative. Last year, Chautauqua County Executive Paul M. Wendel Jr. announced the rebranding of the transit system, introducing the new name: CHQ Transit.
Under the leadership of CHQ Transit Coordinator Michele Westphal and Chautauqua County Department of Public Facilities Director Tim Card, the transit system fleet was updated with nine new buses, purchased through the 5311 Grant from the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). Additional funding from the Modernization and Enhancement Program Grant by NYSDOT facilitated the acquisition of three new hybrid trolleys.
“These new trolley routes are a fantastic addition to our community, making it easier for residents and visitors to explore the beautiful attractions Chautauqua County has to offer,” said Paul M. Wendel Jr., Chautauqua County Executive. “We are committed to enhancing our transportation services to support local tourism and provide a unique experience for everyone.”
“The modernization of our transit system and the introduction of these trolley routes signify our dedication to improving public transportation,” said Tim Card, Director of the Chautauqua County Department of Public Facilities. “We are proud to offer these new services and look forward to seeing them benefit our community.”
“Our goal is to create a memorable and convenient travel experience for both locals and tourists,” said Michele Westphal, CHQ Transit Coordinator. “These new routes showcase the best of what Chautauqua County has to offer, and we are excited to see the positive impact they will have.”
In addition to the new tourism routes, trolleys are available for public rental, catering to private events such as bridal parties, business team-building days, or nights out on the town. For more information on the tourism routes or how to rent a trolley for a special event, please contact CHQ Transit at (716) 665-6466 or visit chqgov.com/carts/CHQTransit.
