Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
May 19, 2017 1:28 p.m.
The Island Hopper looks like the best transportation deal in Fernandina Beach at a buck a ride. And it is catching on with not only island residents but visitors, too, as recent Trip Advisor reviewers attest. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g34341-d12180224-Reviews-Nassau_Transit-Amelia_Island_Florida.htm
April saw a record monthly number of riders at 231 boardings. According to Mike Hays, Transportation Director for the Council on Aging, which provides the service: Year-to-date, almost 64% of the boardings occurred on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays…not too surprisingly. By far the most popular bus stop for boardings is City Hall which accounts for 41% of the year-to-date total. Seaside Park and Walmart together account for another 36% of the boardings and the remaining five bus stops combined account for 23%. Again year-to-date, service between 12:30 and 3:30 (loops 3, 4 and 5) represents 63% of all boardings.
The Island Hopper loops around 9 stops as it moves visitors and residents downtown, along the beach and to various city parks and facilities. Walmart is on the route, too, in addition to the Barnabas Center.
The service is currently offered Thursday through Monday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
For more information, visit the Nassau Transit website: www.nassautransit.org. The current schedule and stops appear below:
Bar Harbor area, home of Acadia National Park, has a free Island Hoppe bus sponsored by LLBean. Great service for tourists and locals including those working in hotels and restaurants.