Circuit and MHACY Announce Launch of Electric Shuttle Service for Residents

Residents at the Palisade Towers housing complex in Yonkers who have been without gas service will be able to use a new electric shuttle to do their laundry starting this week, thanks to a partnership that is bringing innovative businesses to Westchester.

Circuit, a leading provider of EV mobility solutions, is running the free shuttle thanks to a partnership with the Business Council of Westchester. The 100 % electric shuttle, which can be ordered through an app, will transport residents to other housing authority sites where they can do their laundry. Because of the gas outage, more than 1,000 residents have been unable to use washers and dryers since August. They are also relying on microwave and convection ovens for cooking until their buildings can be converted from gas to electricity.

“We are grateful to the Business Council of Westchester and its Westchester Innovation Network (WIN) for connecting us with Circuit to come up with this innovative solution. This will be a tremendous help to Palisade Towers residents who have been coping admirably while we work to convert their buildings to electric service,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano.

Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of the Business Council of Westchester, said that WIN was designed to create matches like those between Circuit and the Municipal Housing Authority for the City of Yonkers (MHACY): ones that meet a need and create economic development opportunities for innovative business to come to Westchester.  “MHACY is a forward-thinking organization that has repeatedly welcomed collaboration with WIN,” said Gordon. “The authority’s partnership with Circuit demonstrates an outstanding commitment to helping its residents overcome a challenging time, making it a model for how organizations can better serve their communities.”

Circuit CEO Alexander Esposito said that he hoped this pilot program with MHACY would lead to additional services in Yonkers, similar to other programs already operating in cities like New Rochelle.

“We’ve received interest from Yonkers residents since we began service in New Rochelle over 4 years ago,” said Alexander Esposito, CEO at Circuit. “We’re grateful for MHACY’s vision and support. We are honored to be working alongside such dedicated community partners. With the launch of this service, Circuit is eager to enhance sustainability in the City of Yonkers, and to continue to provide essential first/last-mile connections for the New York metro area.”  Circuit has provided an all-electric, on-demand shuttle service within downtown New Rochelle since 2019.

The program will offer an electric van and a GEM, which is a low-speed neighborhood electric vehicle, for trips between Palisade Towers and Calcagno Homes. Vehicles will operate on a regular loop within a geo-fenced coverage area. The Circuit service will be available to request for residents via flag down and through the Ride Circuit app during the following times: Wednesday, 10AM-2PM; Thursday, 6PM–10PM; Sunday, 7AM–12PM.

Wilson Kimball, President and CEO of MHACY, said the fact that the shuttle is 100% electric was a perfect fit for MHACY, which has been a leader in sustainable, affordable housing.  “Equity is a pillar of MHACY’s mission to build a more sustainable Yonkers and equip our residents for success,” said Kimball. “Because of this, we are proud to partner with Circuit to offer an innovative e-shuttle program, allowing the Palisade Towers community to utilize the service at no cost.”

In addition to providing sustainable transportation options and reducing congestion, the Circuit shuttle service will provide local employment opportunities. Circuit prioritizes hiring a team of driver ambassadors based locally around Yonkers to operate this service.