New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park

In 2008, the New Bedford Economic Development Council (EDC), the New Bedford Harbor Development Commission (HDC), and the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Dartmouth partnered to pilot a shuttle service that runs between the ferry terminal, the downtown, and a satellite parking area for ferry passengers during the spring, summer, and fall and a loop (termed The LOOP) to UMass Dartmouth for students, faculty, and staff in the fall, winter, and spring months. The park has proposed a phased approach to result in an alternative transportation shuttle system that will directly link park sites with parking facilities, ferry and cruise ship service, and other destinations for visitors during different seasons.This report evaluates the existing pilot shuttle and determines the feasibility of establishing a shuttle system to serve visitors to city cultural sites, the ferry terminal, and adjacent parking areas. This evaluation assesses the sustainability of a park shuttle service including potential shuttle routes, revenues and expenditures, operating costs, and financial and operational partnerships.