Bally’s to pin hopes on free shuttlebus as it targets New York casino license

Article by : Charles Perrin Sep 22, 2023

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According to reports, Bally’s is pinning its hopes on a free shuttle bus service, which could pave the way for them to secure a New York casino license.

The global casino-entertainment company will launch the service on October 1, and it is incorporated into the takeover package of the Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point.

Running Monday to Friday, 10 am to 7 pm, on a half-hour loop, Bally’s Bus will be able to seat 20 passengers, and there will be wheelchair access, too.

The bus will transport people between key commercial corridors from the Ferry Point golf course through the Bronx district on a 10-stop route.

With New York planning on awarding three casino licenses, Bally’s is betting big that the shuttlebus initiative will pay off.

Discussing Bally’s plans, Senator Nathalia Fernandez (D-Bronx), who represents a portion of the district where the shuttlebus service will run through, told the New York Post: “This district needs more transit options, and I am thrilled to see this shuttle connecting our neighbourhoods as well as bringing more New Yorkers to the Bronx.

“The Bally’s partnership to bring about this free shuttle lends strong support to local small businesses and benefits all residents.

“I’m encouraged by how they ensured community concerns were heard and quickly acted during this process.”

Having struck a 20-year lease in 2015 to operate the Ferry Point golf links, Bally intends to buy the 17 acres the golf course sits on. It has also agreed to a deal to buy a further 17 acres nearby that it will donate to the Parks Department.

Regarding the casino licenses, New York State announced in January that it would allow operators to compete for three downstate licenses worth $ 500 million.

Bally’s, which owns and manages 15 casinos across 10 states, appears to be convinced that the shuttle bus service will be a hit.

Ultimately, this sweetener could strike a chord with Bronx residents, and this, in turn, could bolster tourism in New York. Perhaps Bally’s shuttlebus idea isn’t as much of a punt in the dark as many people might think.