Lewes Line embarks on second year
For residents and visitors exhausted by traffic and discouraged by a lack of parking, the City of Lewes is hoping a revamped Lewes Line can provide some relief.
On May 12, Councilwoman Carolyn Jones was joined by elected officials, representatives from the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, Lewes Chamber of Commerce, Delaware River and Bay Authority and city staff for a ribbon-cutting ceremony of Lewes' latest transportation program. Mayor Andrew Williams helped her cut the ribbon, marking the start of the program's second season.
The Lewes Line was created as a way to move people around the city without the need for additional vehicles. The buses were leased from DART First State for $1 each in 2022 and customized to fit the needs and look of Lewes.
Officials said they did not promote the service well during its inaugural season, partly due to the time crunch between purchasing the vehicles and launching the program. After analyzing data from ridership and comments from the public, officials worked to revamp the program. In the second year of the pilot program, riders can expect a few changes.
In addition to an increase in advertisement, officials added stops to the route. One of the most common requests was for the bus to reach residential areas. Zwaanendael Museum, which sits at the intersection of residential Kings Highway and a very busy Savannah Road, was added in addition to Bay Breeze Drive, where the Bay Breeze community and Jefferson Apartments are located.
Sen. Russ Huxtable, D-Lewes, noted in his speech that a third new stop at the Villages of Five Points creates a much-needed connection near Route 1. For residents and visitors utilizing public transportation, the stop at Five Points affords easier access to Lewes.
The Lewes Line map contains helpful parking information to let riders know which stops have free parking, limited free parking and metered parking. The service will run 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week, from Monday, May 22 through Saturday, Sept. 30. Rides are $1. Frequent rider cards can be purchased on the bus, at city hall or at the chamber of commerce, providing 12 rides for $10.
More information about the program is available at ci.lewes.de.us/363/Lewes-Line. Anyone interested in advertising with the Lewes Line should contact Financial Officer Ellen Lorraine McCabe at 302-645-7777, ext. 116.
