Catch a Ride on the HOT Express

Hollywood CRA Launches Scenic Shuttle Service for Hotel Guests

Visitors staying on Hollywood Beach can catch a scenic ride to and from the Historic Downtown District as part of a new shuttle service pilot project.

The Beach & Downtown Circulator/Shuttle, which is being offered by the Beach and Downtown Districts of the Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and the Hollywood Office of Tourism (HOT), provides convenient transportation for beach hotel guests. The HOT Express between the Beach and Downtown districts debuted Jan. 25th and will run three days a week through April 9th. The roundtrip fare is $1 for adults and free for accompanied children under 12.

The pilot project features air-conditioned buses that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to accommodate all riders, including those in wheelchairs. The 20-passenger buses also are equipped with DVD players and feature a “hospitality greeter” who informs riders about dining, entertainment, attractions, special events and historical points of interest in Hollywood.

The HOT Express runs from 5 to 11 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and from 2 to 11 p.m. Saturday through the high season. Buses depart every half-hour along two routes. Beach locations are the Hollywood Beach Marriott, the Broadwalk at Johnson and Michigan streets, the Ramada Hollywood Beach Resort, Hollywood Beach Culture & Community Center, and the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa. Downtown locations are Anniversary Park and Harrison Street west of Young Circle. Shuttle schedules and maps are available at hotels along State Road A1A.

CRA Beach District Executive Director Gil Martinez said the scenic shuttle service is designed to enhance the visitor experience, foster redevelopment interest in Hollywood Beach, and direct new business to the Central Beach Business District and Historic Downtown District.

“With nearly 1,500 guests per day staying on Hollywood Beach, this new shuttle service will give Hollywood an edge in a competitive tourism market that includes Aventura, Bal Harbour, Fort Lauderdale and South Beach,” Martinez said. “We already know how much Hollywood Beach and Downtown Hollywood have to offer. Now all of our beach visitors will know it as well.”