Partnership between Circuit, Business Council of Westchester and Yonkers Housing Authority provides a temporary solution to help Palisade Towers residents cope during gas outage
YONKERS, NY– (March 5, 2025) – Residents at the Palisade Towers housing complex who have been without gas service will be able to use a new electric shuttle to do their laundry starting today, thanks to a partnership that is bringing innovative businesses to Westchester.
Circuit, a leading provider of EV mobility solutions, is running the free shuttle thanks to a partnership with the Business Council of Westchester (BCW). The 100 % electric shuttle, which can be ordered through an app, will transport residents to other housing authority sites where they can do their laundry. Because of the gas outage, more than 1,000 residents have been unable to use washers and dryers since August. They are also relying on microwave and convection ovens for cooking until their buildings can be converted from gas to electricity.
“We are grateful to the Business Council of Westchester and its Westchester Innovation Network (WIN) for connecting us with Circuit to come up with this innovative solution. This will be a tremendous help to Palisade Towers residents who have been coping admirably while we work to convert their buildings to electric service,’’ said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano.
Circuit CEO Alexander Esposito said that he hoped this pilot program with the Yonkers Housing Authority would lead to additional services in Yonkers, similar to other programs already operating in cities like New Rochelle.
“We’ve received interest from Yonkers residents since we began service in New Rochelle over 4 years ago,” said Alexander Esposito, CEO at Circuit. “We’re grateful for MHACY’s vision and support. We are honored to be working alongside such dedicated community partners. With the launch of this service, Circuit is eager to enhance sustainability in the City of Yonkers, and to continue to provide essential first/last-mile connections for the New York metro area.”
Circuit has provided an all-electric, on-demand shuttle service within downtown New Rochelle since 2019.
Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of the Business Council of Westchester, said that WIN was designed to create matches like those between Circuit and the Yonkers Housing Authority: ones that meet a need and create economic development opportunities for innovative business to come to Westchester.
“MHACY is a forward-thinking organization that has repeatedly welcomed collaboration with WIN,” said Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of the Business Council of Westchester. “The authority’s partnership with Circuit demonstrates an outstanding commitment to helping its residents overcome a challenging time, making it a model for how organizations can better serve their communities.”
The program will offer an electric van and a GEM, which is a low-speed neighborhood electric vehicle, for trips between Palisade Towers and Calcagno Homes. Vehicles will operate on a regular loop within a geo-fenced coverage area. The Circuit service will be available to request for residents via flag down and through the Ride Circuit app during the following times:
Wednesday, 10AM-2PM
Thursday, 6PM-10PM
Sunday, 7AM-12PM
Wilson Kimball, President and CEO of the Yonkers Housing Authority, said the fact that the shuttle is 100% electric was a perfect fit for the YHA, which has been a leader in sustainable, affordable housing.
“Equity is a pillar of MHACY’s mission to build a more sustainable Yonkers and equip our residents for success,” said Kimball. “Because of this, we are proud to partner with Circuit to offer an innovative e-shuttle program, allowing the Palisade Towers community to utilize the service at no cost.”
In addition to providing sustainable transportation options and reducing congestion, the Circuit shuttle service will provide local employment opportunities. Circuit prioritizes hiring a team of driver ambassadors based locally around Yonkers to operate this service.
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About Yonkers Housing Authority
Yonkers Housing Authority is the largest provider of affordable housing in the City of Yonkers and the fourth largest public housing authority in New York State. YHA has an unparalleled commitment to redeveloping, managing and administering its housing stock to provide low-income families, the elderly and disabled individuals with access to good, sustainable housing that improves the quality of the residents’ lives, fosters their economic success, and allows them to serve as integral members of communities in which they live. For more information visit www.mhacy.org
About Circuit
Circuit is an innovative electric shuttle company, dedicated to making communities more sustainable, livable, and connected. Operating in NY, NJ, DC, FL, CA, MA, DC, WA, and TX, Circuit offers on-demand solutions that have provided over 9 million eco-friendly rides without traveling more than a few miles. Addressing the vital first/last-mile gap, Circuit bridges urban connectivity divides through partnerships with municipalities, developers, and advertising partners. The service enhances local jobs, community engagement, and brand connections, all while reducing congestion and furthering the transition to fully electric transportation. Discover more and learn how to catch a ride at www.ridecircuit.com.
About the Business Council of Westchester
The Business Council of Westchester is the county’s largest and most prestigious business membership organization representing more than 1,000 members, including multinational corporations, hospitals, universities, biotech pioneers, not-for-profits, entrepreneurs and companies of all sizes. As the most influential economic development and advocacy organization in Westchester, The Business Council of Westchester’s members enjoy unparalleled access to today’s top thought leaders, diverse business development opportunities and lawmakers at all levels of government. The BCW Data Exchange provides the latest demographic research to help guide smart business decisions. The LEAP program, a one-of-a-kind initiative, gives members direct access to lobbying efforts at the county, state and national levels on issues that directly affect their businesses. Build, Connect and Win with The Business Council of Westchester. Visit thebcw.org to connect today.