Local Mobility Gaps

The Rockaways, a coastal peninsula in Queens, NYC, faces unique transportation challenges due to its geography. While the A train and NYC ferry offer connections to the rest of New York City, traveling north-south within the peninsula is more difficult. With few convenient local options, residents have often encountered barriers to mobility within their community. These challenges, combined with the area’s heightened exposure to climate risks, make access to reliable, low-emission transportation increasingly important.

Expanding Transit Access with EV Shuttles

In 2023, Circuit launched an all-electric microtransit service in the Rockaways to help bridge these transit gaps on the peninsula. The service connects residents to A train subway stations and MTA bus stops, while also providing access to essential services across the peninsula. Designed with local travel patterns in mind, the program helps bridge the first/last mile for those without easy access to a car.

The project was selected through the competitive NYSERDA Clean Transportation Prize for its strong alignment with the program’s goals—delivering zero-emission, community-centered mobility in a climate-vulnerable area. The service was designed in partnership with 10+ community partners who provided input on the biggest transportation needs of the Rockaway community.

"Circuit has brought affordable transportation and another option for moving around within our community. To get from one end of the peninsula to another, costs both time and money. Currently, Circuit makes the process much faster and much cheaper."
- Manny Silva
Supermarvelous Society, Executive Director

A More Connected Rockaways

Since launching, Circuit’s Rockaway service has become critical in a neighborhood where getting around has never been easy. The service has steadily evolved into a trusted part of daily life for locals.

Residents are embracing the service, with clear patterns emerging around short, neighborhood-level trips and repeat usage. The service not only connects residents to the NYC subway system, but also to destinations like grocery stores, healthcare facilities, banks, and public housing. Ridership continues to grow, and community feedback reflects a strong sense of value and reliability. The flexible service has also supported transportation for community events like the new public library opening and JBRPC events.

The program is already delivering measurable environmental benefits while supporting clean energy workforce development—demonstrating that clean, community-scale transit can effectively close first/last mile gaps.

The above heat map shows the majority of pick ups and dropoffs taking place at NYC Subway A Train stops throughout the Rockaways Peninsula. 

Looking Ahead: A Model for Climate-Resilient Mobility

As climate issues become more prevalent, the Rockaways are embracing projects that support sustainability. Developments like Averne East—a 116-acre eco-friendly redevelopment—reflect this shift. Circuit’s service aligns with this vision by providing cleaner, more connected transportation for the peninsula. These efforts are paving the way for a healthier, more accessible future in this coastal community of NYC.