April 4, 2003

Shuttle Service available in The Woodlands Town Center

THE WOODLANDS, Texas (March 27, 2003) -- Town Center Improvement District (TCID) is the site of a new transportation initiative by The Brazos Transit District.

The Brazos Transit District has launched a shuttle service into The Woodlands Town Center from Sawdust Park & Ride, which in turn, is connected to the Kuykendahl Park & Ride and the stops throughout Greater Greenspoint.

The District’s new service, called the Town Center Shuttle, includes stops throughout The Woodlands Town Center, including The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, The Woodlands Mall, Pinecroft Center and additional stops.

This service follows two significant pilot programs conducted in 2002 by Town Center Improvement District. The first initiative called the Town Center Express, launched in July and ran 12 consecutive weeks. Its success was continued with the Town Center Express Holiday Shuttle through early January. Several thousands of riders participated in the two pilot programs.

“The need for this type of transportation has been demonstrated within The Woodlands Town Center,” said TCID President Frank W. Robinson. “Transportation is very important for retailers, office employees and visitors. With the addition of new corporate headquarters, additional employees of existing businesses and increased numbers of shoppers and diners coming into Town Center, TCID will continue to press for a long-range plan of shuttle service.”

Stephen P. Sumner, Sr., TCID Vice President of Operations & Public Safety, said, “Transportation is a key part of economic development and with the success of the pilot programs, this is an important next step in bringing quality public transportation to Town Center."

The climate-controlled shuttle makes stops at designated locations conveniently located around The Woodlands Town Center. The 35-seat passenger vans provide transportation from the Sawdust Park & Ride, located on the southside of Sawdust Road near Budde Road. Vans run from 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. every 30 minutes, Monday through Friday and every hour Saturday and Sunday. The vans have scheduled stops and can be flagged down by pedestrians. The cost of a ride is 50 cents.

TCID Vice President of Operations & Public Safety Stephen P. Sumner, Sr., right, and Lyle Nelson of Brazos Transit District with the new Sawdust Town Center Shuttle.

ABOUT TCID Town Center Improvement District is a local governmental agency whose mission is to promote, develop, encourage and maintain economic development for the public benefit in The Woodlands area. The area is home to over 400 retailers, restaurants, hotels and other businesses and has more than 20 million visitors annually.