The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area (NFNHA) announced that Discover Niagara Shuttle services will be expanded to Lockport in the 2021 season. The hop-on/hop off complimentary shuttle connects visitors and residents to approximately 30 destinations where they can discover the natural, cultural, and historic attractions located within Niagara County.
Sara Capen, Executive Director, Niagara Falls National Heritage Area, said,
“With the expansion of the service to Lockport, the Discover Niagara Shuttle connects two of our nation’s 55 National Heritage Areas — Niagara Falls National Heritage Area & Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor — where people can experience our region’s significant history, stunning natural landscape, and the remarkable communities of Niagara County. The NFNHA is proud of this vital tourism initiative and appreciative of the immense support we received from our partners and elected officials to make this possible.”
National Heritage Areas are designated by Congress and work in coordination with the National Parks Service to support community stewardship through heritage conservation, recreation, and education of nationally important sites.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) said, “We have fought again and again to protect and fund the National Heritage Area program because of demonstrated success stories like the Discover Niagara Shuttle. The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area provides an incredible rate of return on the investments made, highlighting the places unique to the Niagara region and strengthening our economy.”
“The Discover Niagara Shuttle has been an incredible regional asset and economic driver in Western New York since its launch — allowing tourists and residents alike to easily access new restaurants, small businesses, and places to explore,” said Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27). “With this expansion to Lockport, the shuttle brings new adventures for travelers and new opportunities for our region. I look forward to seeing its continued success, and to more people getting to witness all that Lockport has to offer.”
The Shuttle started as a pilot project in 2016. State legislation was essential to guaranteeing that the Shuttle has a permanent place in the community for years to come.
New York State Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt added, “At a time when revitalizing tourism is the key to our economic future, I am excited for the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area’s expansion of the Discover Niagara Shuttle to Lockport this year. Whether it’s historical landmarks or the first state park in the United States, Niagara County is a destination New York, American, and international visitors should visit, and this will be a key part of extending and expanding the tourist experience. I commend all the local and state partners who have worked diligently to showcase our wondrous region.”
"As we build back from the pandemic, reigniting our tourism economy will be a critical component, and I firmly believe that the expanded Discover Niagara Shuttle will play a key role," said Senator Tim Kennedy, Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. "As this new destination is added, it will be even easier and more convenient for tourists — both local and from out-of-town — to explore all that Lockport and Niagara County has to offer."
“It is with great pleasure that we are announcing the Discover Niagara Shuttle will be starting a route from Niagara Falls to Lockport,” Angelo Morinello, New York State Assemblyman, said. “Lockport has reimagined the Lockport locks and has provided an additional tourism experience for all to enjoy. This extension of the Shuttle was made possible by a strong team effort from local officials under the leadership of Sara Capen of the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area, which will guarantee permanent financing for the continuation of the shuttle. The Erie Canal made it possible to begin expansion to the west, and this historic location will provide additional interest in overnight stays in Niagara County.”
The Lockport community is looking forward to the tourism opportunities that expanding the shuttle’s service area to the community will offer.
New York State Assemblyman Michael Norris said, “I was truly honored to sponsor the legislation that now paves the way for the Discover Niagara Shuttle to visit Lockport several times a week during the key tourism season. This shuttle will indeed serve as a critical catalyst to helping our local businesses and tourism destinations attract new visitors to our historic Erie Canal and Lockport Locks corridor."
“The city of Lockport is pleased to be a stop for the Discover Niagara Shuttle,” said Michelle Roman, Mayor of the City of Lockport. “This will expand opportunities for our residents and visitors to explore more of our county, as well as easy access to areas in the city to explore the history of the canal and locks, the Cornerstone Arena, Palace Theater, Kenan Center, along with our local shops and restaurants.”
The addition of Lockport to the shuttle’s schedule is thanks to an initiative passed by NFNHA partners and local officials.
Becky Wydysh, Chairman of the Niagara County Legislature, said, "I want to thank my fellow legislators who voted to dedicate bed tax revenue in support of the shuttle, especially Legislators Tony Nemi, Mike Hill, and Will Collins, who were very passionate about the shuttle extending to Lockport and points further east, and worked hard to help make this happen. Eastern Niagara County businesses will hopefully benefit from an increased number of tourists who will take advantage of all that Niagara County has to offer."
Ultimately, the new shuttle route will help form a stronger relationship between Lockport and Niagara Falls and create additional opportunities for tourism for both communities.
“I am excited at the opportunity for Niagara Falls residents and Lockport residents to now have yet another connection to one another,” said City of Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino. “The expansion of the Discover Niagara Shuttle adding service to Lockport allows two historic communities to connect, alongside our other neighboring communities and attractions, and giving all of our residents the ability to enjoy all the activities that both of our Cities offer.”
In addition, John Percy, President of Destination Niagara Falls USA, said, “Transportation connectivity between Niagara Falls and Lockport has been limited at best, and this new connection is a welcome addition to our tourism partners, and even more so for our visiting public. This new service will allow visitors the opportunity to visit one of our treasured locales of Lockport and its many cultural and culinary gems, while possibly extending their stay.”
Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, added, "We are thrilled to see shuttle service that connects the awe-inspiring natural wonder of Niagara Falls with the legendary heritage of the Erie Canal in Lockport. We appreciate the visionary efforts of our sister National Heritage Area in Niagara Falls to create a rich and enjoyable experience for visitors and residents alike."
Following the press conference, attendees had the opportunity to ride the shuttle on the Lockport Loop. The shuttle will officially begin public service on Friday, May 28. The shuttle service is equipped with bike racks, complimentary wi-fi, and is fully ADA accessible. For more information about schedule and destinations, please visit www.discoverniagarashuttle.com.