Visit Bellevue has announced that BellHop, the first free all-electric shuttle service in the Pacific Northwest, has reached a new milestone in January, serving 40,000 riders since it launched last August in partnership with Circuit.
Currently, the average driver rating for BellHop is 4.87 stars out of 5, with the wait time coming in at approximately 10:23 minutes. Serving an eco-conscious audience, BellHop utilizes a pooled rider system through the Circuit app (iOS, Android), and allows both locals and visitors to enjoy a shared shuttle experience to navigate a 6-mile perimeter of Bellevue’s downtown core.
“If you need a ride around downtown Bellevue, call BellHop,” said Brad Jones, Executive Director of Visit Bellevue. “Our goal with BellHop is to provide a fleet of zero emission vehicles to help get people to their hotels, Bellevue’s attractions, place of employment, and vibrant shopping and dining destinations. As Sound Transit opens the East Link Extension, BellHop serves as a connector to the wonderful experiences that lie within Bellevue to stimulate economic development.”
BellHop is an on demand, point to point, micro transit service that serves as a free solution for first and last mile transit connections, enjoyed by locals and travelers. Once a BellHop is requested via the Circuit app, the driver will pick up the rider at the designated pick-up location and drop them off at the location of their choice.
“BellHop acts as a community connector, providing convenient transportation options for those exploring destinations such as the Bellevue Botanical Garden, Spring District, or the vibrant Old Bellevue neighborhood,” said Eden Helstein, Evolution Studios owner and BelRed Arts District advocate. “It offers easy access, prioritizes affordability and environmentally conscious travel for everyone.”
Data provided by Circuit indicates that the top 2023 destination for BellHop riders is The Bellevue Collection, located in the heart of downtown Bellevue. Other favorites include the Spring District, which is home to Bellevue Brewing Company, the Global Innovation Exchange, and Meta. Riders also frequent Old Bellevue, a charmingly preserved main street by Meydenbauer Bay Park and full of vibrant cafes, bars, shops, and restaurants. Close to 1,500 riders used BellHop to smell the flowers at the Bellevue Botanical Gardens.
"Bellhop was a big success this summer, a wonderful asset for all of Bellevue,” said Joseph Brazen, 520 Bar & Grill owner and President of Old Bellevue Merchants Association. “Loved seeing all the happy guests that Bellhop would drop off in Old Bellevue throughout the day, and all summer long. Our merchants look forward to more BelHops in the future. Congratulations for the first 40 thousand riders!”
With Sound Transit’s new Eastside Link service opening this spring, connecting Bellevue and Redmond, the BellHop serves as a responsible and sustainable transportation solution for the first and last mile to get around Bellevue’s downtown core and attractions.
“BellHop is perfectly tailored to meet the dynamic needs of our hotel guests, offering a seamless and hassle-free transportation solution,” said Mike Pearce, Destinations Sales Executive at Seattle Marriott Bellevue. “As part of our commitment to exceptional hospitality, our partnership with the BellHop program ensures that our guests can enjoy the convenience and reliability of these services at no additional cost. The feedback from our guests has been immensely positive.”
BellHop launched on August 1, 2023 with the goal of stimulating economic growth in Bellevue’s visitor economy while inspiring memorable visitor experiences. BellHop operates Sunday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
For visitor information, please visit www.visitbellevuewa.com or look for Visit Bellevue’s mobile welcome center.
Photo Credit: Visit Bellevue