Bally's Seeks Goodwill in the Bronx, N.Y., Using Ferry Point Shuttle Service
Bally's is making moves to improve their image in the Bronx, New York City, by providing a free shuttle bus service to the soon-to-be-closed Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point. This golf course is currently owned by the Trump Organization, the business run by former President Donald Trump's family. It was recently announced that Bally's would be taking over the Trump Organization's lease for this land, with plans to eventually build a casino hotel there.
The 20-passenger, wheelchair-accessible Bally's Bus will be available from 10 am to 7 pm, Monday to Friday, with a loop running about every 30 minutes. This idea came about after discussions with local leaders, who see a need for more local transportation within the borough. They believe this offering could attract more visitors from other parts of New York City to the Bronx.
In addition to the Bally's Bus, the Rhode Island-based regional casino operator has promised to set aside 17 acres at Ferry Point and return it to the New York Parks Department for public use. These plans show Bally's attempting to gain favor in the community and among local politicians. However, Bally's is not a golf course operator or a public transit company. Their goal at Ferry Point is to build a casino hotel.
Providing free transportation and reserving land for public use could help Bally's in this competitive market. They are among several operators competing for one of the three downstate casino permits that New York state regulators plan to award next year. Bally's must face competition from big names like Las Vegas Sands, MGM Resorts International, and Wynn Resorts, among others, in their bid to secure a gaming license in New York State.
Many comments on the article discussing Bally's Bus show a range of emotions from Bronx locals. Some called their leaders "selling out" their constituents, while others thought that a casino in an economically challenged area would only harm the locals. One commenter even predicted disaster: "This will not end well. Disaster in the making. Who are they shuttling? How many people in the Bronx can afford to golf, let alone at a $200+ course? I give it a month before the driver is assaulted or robbed."
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Source: www.casino.org