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A new express bus service started by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and Westchester Bee-Line in September is getting commuters on the right track to a convenient, comfortable and stress-free way to get to work. This new service, called LIKE-RAIL, is a joint initiative between Westchester County, NYSDOT and the I-287 Task Force. The express bus service is designed to get rush-hour drivers off the Taconic State Parkway, thereby relieving traffic congestion on I-287.

The express bus transports commuters from parking lot #1 of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt State Park, off the Taconic State Parkway, direct to White Plains in 40 minutes. There is plenty of parking for commuters who use this service. "Through an arrangement with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, ample parking has been made available for commuters who use this service," said Westchester County Transportation Commissioner Marvin V. Church. "The bus makes four morning commute trips and four return trips every weekday." The bus travels on the Taconic to White Plains for fast service.

Connections are available to Bee-Line Shuttle Loop services and other Bee-Line buses at the White Plains Bus Terminal for travel to nearby Westchester Avenue and other employment sites. Commuters can also connect with the Metro-North trains in White Plains. A Guaranteed Return Trip (GRT) program is available to provide LIKE-RAIL riders with a trip home in the middle of the day or after the last scheduled bus.

"Congestion along the I-287 corridor is a major concern for all Westchester County residents," said Westchester County Executive Andy Spano. "Making riders feel secure that they have a way to get back home in an emergency is crucial to the success of this new service and in addressing the problem of traffic congestion." The GRT is available to all LIKE-RAIL riders during off-peak hours when the service is not operating. Passengers are permitted up to two emergency return trips in any 30-day period between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays, and after the last trip departure up to 10 p.m. weekdays.

The County operates the express bus as part of its countywide Bee-Line System network. NYSDOT is providing $600,000 in demonstration funding for the first year of the service. The one-way cash fare for LIKE-RAIL is the standard Bee-Line bus fare of $1.40. Monthly discounts for unlimited use are also available. For commuters wishing to link with the White Plains train station, a combined train-bus monthly ticket is available for $25 plus the cost of a monthly train fare.

For information on the LIKE-RAIL service or the Guaranteed Return Trip program, contact: Westchester County Bee-Line - 914-682-2020.