Monday, August 14, 2018
MGM Springfield and the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) revealed the creative wrap of The Loop today. Beginning August 24 after MGM’s opening, the new public transportation service will link downtown tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants, and arts and culture destinations to provide a more robust travel experience for Springfield visitors. The Loop will connect Springfield’s most storied landmarks including Union Station, Springfield Armory, Springfield Museums, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and MGM Springfield.
“Springfield is on the rise and tourism is a vital component to its revitalization,” said Alex Dixon, General Manager, MGM Springfield. “The Loop will be a welcome boost to area businesses, allowing us to package the whole area as a consolidated travel destination rather than just individual attraction.”
Designed with the visitor 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. Traveling on The Loop will be free.
“Our continued public/private partnership initiatives help greatly to promote and enhance all the amenities that our Springfield has to offer,” said Mayor Domenic J. Sarno.
A testament to the city’s rich legacy and bright future, The Loop highlights all there is to do in downtown Springfield while helping to promote the city as an overall travel destination. The environmentally-conscious, electric vehicle seats 40 comfortably. Its bright cheerful colors convey a sense of whimsical arrival featuring artistic representations of Springfield’s picturesque cityscape from the banks of the Connecticut River.
“The Loop’s unique branding encompasses the many sights of downtown, showcasing these attractions throughout the vehicle wrap, bus stop signage, schedules and maps to make traveling downtown effortless,” said Sandra E. Sheehan, Administrator, Pioneer Valley Transit Authority. “The Loop will be operated with a zero emissions electric bus as part of PVTA’s goal of providing sustainable transportation.”
As part of its Host Community Agreement (HCA), MGM Springfield will provide PVTA with financial support to operate and maintain The Loop. This includes maintenance and insurance of the vehicle, as well as the costs associated with the hiring, supervising and compensating the driver.
“For the hospitality community, The Loop has always been a key component of the MGM Springfield project,” said Mary Kay Wydra, President of the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau. “The Loop introduces visitors to the many attractions that make Springfield special, provides access to MGM Springfield, and has the potential to increase visitor stays in the region.”
The Loop demonstrates MGM Springfield's commitment to develop offerings that will bring people to downtown Springfield and attract sustainable patronage that will lift local businesses seeking foot traffic and tourist activity.
