A small white bus drives through the streets of Peekskill every weekend, linking the train station, Fleischmann Pier, and the historic downtown. The service, known as Discover Peekskill Shuttle, is free and will operate on Saturdays and Sundays through November, according to route driver Candice Ayala. The Business Improvement District (BID) and the City of Peekskill coordinate the shuttle’s operation.
The schedule is fixed: from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. The route is designed for residents and visitors. It has strategic stops that connect tourist, commercial, and recreational areas of the city. The trip begins at the scenic train station, where participants can take a short walk around the area.
Ayala said that her job is to take passengers to different points of interest and wait 15 minutes before resuming the route. She sees it is a fun experience for all audiences. Children may be the ones who enjoy it most. “It is an entertaining activity. It would be very good if it had more promotion so more people would know about it,” she said.
One of the strategies of Peekskill BID [Business Improvement District] is to keep its map updated regularly. It also uses digital platforms to post any route or schedule changes. The information is also available on the official Discover Peekskill website. In addition, users can call the service’s hotline during operating hours at (845) 222-2972.
Jerry Thomson, one of the passengers, is a local resident. A few weeks ago, he got on the bus with his two young children. He learned about the activity by chance. He was driving near the train station when he saw the small bus. “It is a great idea because it encourages people to do something different. My kids loved seeing the city from another angle, since they are always used to riding around in the car,” he said.
The service is also attracting tourists. Melissa, who traveled from New York City for a hike at Blue Mountain Reservation, heard about the Discover Peekskill Shuttle and decided to explore Peekskill. “I thought: it is not a bad idea to take a walk around downtown and explore Peekskill. It is an idea I will definitely share with friends so they can come too,” she said.
That is precisely the goal of the Discover Peekskill Shuttle: to promote mobility and access to tourist spots for local residents, but also for visitors who arrive in Peekskill seeking other attractions and are drawn in by this route, which includes Fleischmann Pier, renovated as a fishing and walking site, and the historic downtown with its abundance of shops, galleries, and restaurants.
