BellHop, Bellevue’s free shuttle service operated by Visit Bellevue and Circuit, has been honored with the 2025 Transportation Vision Award. Recognized for its sustainable approach to urban mobility, the award, given by the Seattle and Bellevue 2030 Districts, acknowledges BellHop’s success in creating an environmentally friendly transportation option. The service has become a core part of Bellevue’s transit system in less than two years since its inception, according to the city’s mayor, Lynne Robinson. “BellHop’s unique service, which the city is proud to help fund, is certainly worth celebrating for its accessible, sustainable electric vehicle transportation options that reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Robinson said, per the City of Bellevue.
Having launched in 2023, BellHop has come a long way, offering nearly 115,000 rides to over 150,000 passengers, effectively cutting down more than 100 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. March saw the service expand its fleet with three new full-size Kia electric vehicles, ensuring the future looks even greener for the electric shuttle program. With half of the top 10 destinations being grocery stores, the service is frequented by visitors and community members running everyday errands, as revealed by the city’s data. Funding for the operation comes from a practical blend of hotel room fees and partner support dollars, a model that allows its shuttles to navigate the city’s urban landscape free of charge…