WILMINGTON, N.Y. (AP) — A free shuttle bus service designed to relieve traffic congestion in the Adirondack High Peaks region will start running this fall.

The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports state and local officials announced the new system Thursday. It will be funded by Essex County.

Officials say they hope the service will encourage hikers to explore different trails outside of the Route 73 corridor.

The state's Department of Environmental Conservation's commissioner, Basil Seggos, says the program is part of an ongoing effort to "promote sustainable tourism in the High Peaks region."

The shuttles will operate between Lake Placid, the Whiteface Mountain Ski Center and the Whiteface Landing, Copperas Pond and Bear Den trailheads from Sept. 13 to Oct. 6.

The service also will run during Columbus Day weekend from Oct. 11 to 14.

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