‘The Loop’ will provide free transportation through downtown

May 31, 2018 | Jordan Houston
jordan@thereminder.com

MGM Springfield is partnering with the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority to create a bus system, called The Loop, to connect the casino to downtown Springfield. The design was unveiled during a May 25 press conference at the Springfield Armory.
Reminder Publications by Jordan Houston

SPRINGFIELD – MGM Springfield and the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) are teaming up to create a new bus system that will connect the $960 million casino to downtown Springfield attractions.

The Loop, which will debut on Aug. 24 as part of MGM’s opening day, will service cultural highlights, hotels, restaurants and arts destinations – including Union Station, the Springfield Armory, Springfield Museums, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and MGM Springfield. The purpose of the public transportation service is to provide a more fulfilling travel experience for city visitors. With that in mind, The Loop will also make stops at MassMutual Center, Holiday Inn Express, The Sheraton, Hampton Inn and La Quinta Inn & Suites.

It will run Wednesdays through Sundays from Union Station, beginning at 10 a.m. until 10 p.m., and complete a full circuit in 60 minutes during the day and 40 minutes in the evening. A majority of its stops will be located near or next to PVTA stops. Traveling on The Loop will be free for all riders.

“You can see a real kind of emergence of the revitalization of the city. The Loop is not just about us, it is really connecting the fabric that we have within this area,” said MGM Springfield General Manager Alex Dixon during a May 25 press conference at the Springfield Armory. “We’re a very walkable downtown, which I like to remind people, but this is just yet another mechanism that we can use to make sure we highlight the great tourist destination that is downtown Springfield.”

The electric vehicle will be environmentally-conscious and seat 40 people. It’s design consists of bright colors intended to convey a sense of “whimsical arrival” and  features representations of Springfield’s cityscape from the banks of the Connecticut River. The bus is modern and quiet, and includes video monitors that can be used for ads or announcements.

MGM will provide PVTA with financial support to operate and maintain The Loop, as required by its Host Community Agreement. This includes maintenance and insurance of the vehicle, as well as costs associated with hiring, supervising and compensating the driver. The casino’s agreement with PVTA is for one year.

The bus is part of MGM’s overall commitment to develop offerings that will bring its visitors to downtown Springfield, while simultaneously attracting patronage that will benefit local businesses seeking customers and traffic.

PVTA Administrator Sandra Sheehan said the bus system is designed for anyone and everyone in the area.

“Whether visiting for business or pleasure, or you work downtown, you will have access to the bus,” she said.

The new casino, which is set to open in August, will cover three city blocks in the heart of the city. The approximately 2 million square-foot development will provide more than 125,000 square-feet of gaming space and a 250-room boutique hotel on Main Street. The development, which combines new construction with revived historic buildings, will also offer spa services, dining options and retail, as well as feature a cinema, bowling complex and seasonal skating rink.

For more information on the casino, visit mgmspringfield.com.

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