Thanks to leading support from Rutberg Breslow Personal Injury Law, the Friends of the Walkway nonprofit organization has forged a partnership with Hudson River Housing’s VetZero program to increase access to its wheelchair-accessible electric tram in 2024. Walkway’s volunteer Ambassadors will be supported by paid, trained drivers hired from VetZero to operate the vehicle every Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. This represents a 25 percent increase in availability from prior seasons.
Walkway’s tram operation resumes on Friday, April 5 and coincides with the re-opening of the East Gate Plaza in Poughkeepsie, the newly renovated West Pavilion in Highland, and the park’s 21-story, glass enclosed elevator at Upper Landing Park. Volunteer Ambassadors, identifiable by their trademark red vests, will be back in the park to greet guests, give tours, provide information, and sell souvenirs. The tram and park pavilions are open through late November (weather permitting).
“Our electric tram has become a critical support for hundreds of guests on the Walkway,” said Lori Robertson, Executive Director, Friends of the Walkway nonprofit organization. “Thanks to Rutberg Breslow and VetZero, we’ll be able to positively impact more guests than ever before this year and break down another barrier that might prevent someone from enjoying our park.”
"Our firm is thrilled to help the Friends of the Walkway keep their tram running," said Larry Breslow, Managing Partner, Rutberg Breslow Personal Injury Law. "The Walkway is a such a beautiful resource in our community, and we're proud to support it. The fact that this partnership opens the door for local veterans to find employment makes us especially proud to be a sponsor."
VetZero, a program of Hudson River Housing, meets the needs of the veteran community in the Hudson Valley by providing specialized housing, transportation, advocacy, and care management. VetZero is on a mission to reach zero veteran suicides and zero veteran homelessness in our community. The partnership with the Friends of the Walkway nonprofit organization, made possible by support from Rutberg Breslow Personal Injury Law, will provide local veterans with paid, part time positions operating Walkway’s electric tram and interacting with park guests in a positive manner to create a more impactful experience for all.
“Hudson River Housing is excited to be partnering with the Friends of the Walkway,” said Vinny Darrow, Director of Resident Services, Hudson River Housing. “We’re proud to provide veterans with an opportunity to reenter the workforce and to allow more people than ever to experience the beauty of the Hudson Valley.”
Since starting operations in 2021, Walkway’s electric tram has assisted seniors, people with mobility challenges, and those with a fear of heights in accessing the panoramic views available from the bridge. The vehicle is free to access and piloted by trained operators. While in service, the tram runs on a continuous loop from the East Gate Plaza in Poughkeepsie to the Elevator Overlook, Center Overlook (by the flagpole), and Ulster Welcome Center in Highland. A one-way trip takes approximately 35 minutes, and passengers are welcome to embark and disembark at any stop. For complete information, visit walkway.org/tram.
