After much anticipation, months of research,
and a long waiting period with the state
Department of Transportation, the Lotus Group
of Companies has been approved to run the
Lotus Link, a service with public and private
transit options, from Warrensburg to Glens Falls.
The Lotus Group conducted a series of surveys,
attended the Senior Center monthly meetings,
and held a public interest forum to make sure
that the public was in support of Ash Anand’s
plan to implement a convenient, affordable
means of transportation. Anand is one of the
founders of Lotus.
The company said its discussions and survey
results showed that many residents north of
Glens Falls do not have their own vehicle, are
unable to operate a motor vehicle due to age or
injury, or simply would like a more affordable
transportation option.
According to the company, Lotus Link service
will not only help area residents, but bring new
business and exposure to local establishments,
increase tourism in northern Warren County,
and give local businesses a new, innovate way
to advertise.
The proposed route will start in Warrensburg/
Thurman and travel down Route 9, stopping
at various heavily frequented destinations.
Stops will include Warrensburg Town Hall,
Warrensburg Health Center, Price Chopper,
Lake George Village, Warren County Municipal
Center, the Great Escape, Walmart, the Aviation
Mall, and Glens Falls Hospital.
Tentative ticket prices will be $4 per trip,
$25/week unlimited, $70/month unlimited,
with 50 percent discounts for senior citizens
and students. Advertising space will be sold to
businesses for different sizes/rates and will have
packaging available with social media blasts and
“inside seating” flyers.
The Lotus Group is currently researching
private charter contracts for medical transport,
group trips, destination transport (Albany
Airport, SPAC, etc.) and is open to any
suggestions the public may have.
The Lotus team is currently solidifying details
of the service, route, and private charter options.
“We cannot wait for this program to launch
and would like to thank the community for their
support and outreach in efforts to get the Lotus
Link on the road,” a company statement said.
If you have any questions, please feel free to
contact Maggie Morgan. Updates regarding this
service will follow shortly. Inquiries can go to Maggie Morgan,
communications director, at 478-8069, or by
email at maggie@lotusanalytics.com.
The Lotus Group of Companies was
established in 2009 in the home office of Anand
where he dealt with analytics and consulting.
In six years, he has added over 30 employees
and an automotive repair shop, a construction
company, a property management company, a
nutracueticals line, a learning center and day
care.
Further information about the Lotus Group
is available at www.lotus.com or, by phone, at
1-800-LOTUS.US.