Ben Franklin Transit to Provide Shuttle Services to Art in the Park, Columbia Cup

Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) will provide the convenience of shuttle services to two popular annual community events this weekend, July 26-28. 

Art in the Park | Friday and Saturday, July 26 and 27: Those attending Richland’s Art in the Park event can catch a shuttle looping every 15 minutes beginning at 8:30 a.m. both days at Fran Rish stadium, with stops at Knight Street Transit Center, John Dam Plaza, and in front of Greenies near the entrance to Howard Amon Park. 

HAPO Columbia Cup | Saturday and Sunday, July 27 and 28: Attendees headed to the Kennewick side of the river for this year’s boat races can catch a BFT shuttle at their choice of two locations—Knight Street Transit Center in Richland, or Lampson Stadium in Kennewick—departing every hour on the hour between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. both days to Columbia Park. 

Newly added this year is another shuttle option from The HAPO Center (formerly TRAC) in Pasco to Wade Park on the Pasco side. 
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Return shuttles depart both parks for their locations of origination beginning 15 minutes after the final heat ends each day. Shuttle riders may bring chairs, coolers, and other small items on board during event weekend.

Cost: Both shuttle services will be offered by cash donation instead of a set fare amount this year, with all proceeds benefiting the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Cities.

The local YMCA, with locations in Kennewick, Pasco, Richland and West Richland, serves over 8,000 youth and families each year and awards thousands of dollars in financial assistance to families who cannot afford to pay the full cost of program fees. In addition to offering preschool and school-age childcare during the year, the YMCA also offers various youth programs throughout the summer, including daily crafts. 

“Ben Franklin Transit is all about serving our community and making connections that are important to people,” said marketing and communications director Ali Madison. “We’re excited to offer both of our shuttle services to Art in the Park and the boat races by donation this year, to demonstrate our commitment to the community by supporting local youth programs.”