A Tappan Zee Express bus in 2012, the predecessor of the Hudson Link service
Bus services over the original Tappan Zee Bridge began operating when the bridge opened in 1955, including a subsidized commuter bus service that operated from 1963 to 1965.[3][4] Suburban growth on both sides of the bridge contributed to traffic congestion, which became a major political issue in the 1970s.[5]:22 A series of studies by NYSDOT and the New York State Thruway Authority in the 1980s provided proposals for HOV lanes on the bridge, but those plans were cancelled by Governor George Pataki in 1997.[5]:60
Transport of Rockland began service over the Tappan Zee Bridge in 1989, supported by funding from NYSDOT. The Tappan Zee Express service operated on weekdays from Spring Valley to White Plains, and served approximately 20,000 passengers per month in 1996.[6] The service was revised in 2000, introducing a park and ride lot at the Palisades Center mall in West Nyack and adding Saturday service.[7]
Plans for the construction of the new Tappan Zee Bridge included expanded public transit options, replacing the Tappan Zee Express service. A 2014 study supported by NYSDOT and the Thruway Authority argued that transit service over the new bridge should take the form of bus rapid transit. The study proposed an expanded bus route network, with local service on Route 59 in Rockland County and extensions to Westchester Medical Center, Port Chester, and The Bronx. The 2014 study also proposed additional BRT infrastructure to be built within 15 years of the bridge opening, including a new bus station at the Palisades Center.[8]
Hudson Link boarding platforms at Tarrytown station
The route network of the proposed bus service added more express services to White Plains, connecting with the Metro-North Harlem Line. Planners argued that trips from Rockland County to New York City would be faster via White Plains, despite that route's additional travel distance compared to trips via Tarrytown and the Hudson Line. Opposition from Rockland County political leaders and residents caused the service to be revised to offer more service to Tarrytown.[9] The other proposed routes from the 2014 study have become future provisions of the network, which will be expanded on "as ridership warrants".[10] There are some initiative to roll out the White Plains-Port Chester service (proposed Platinum route), but no implementation schedule is set for that, or the other future provisions.[11]
The Hudson Link service is operated by Transdev, which replaced the Tappan Zee Express' operator Brega Transport. Service began in October 2018, and schedules were revised shortly after service began to add more trips to Tarrytown.[12] Riders and political leaders criticized Transdev's management when service began, highlighting missed connections from Metro-North trains and overly strict policies for bus drivers.[13]
In 2020, Hudson Link introduced a free shuttle service for users of the newly-completed bicycle and pedestrian path on the north side of the Tappan Zee Bridge. The shuttle service operates on weekends in the summer, serving stops at either end of the path.[14][15] A Hudson Link bus was destroyed by fire on the bridge in November 2025, with no injuries.[16]
Fares
The standard fare for Hudson Link services is $2.75. Reduced fares are available for senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and students. A special discounted fare is available for travel within Tarrytown. Hudson Link offers discounted transfers to local buses operated by Bee-Line, Transport of Rockland, CT Transit, and Clarkstown Mini Trans.[17]
Bus fleet
The Hudson Link bus service uses 31 Prevost X3-45 buses, numbered R801-R831. Buses have free Wi-Fi and USB ports. Buses are also equipped with bike racks.[18] Buses sport the New York State colors, with the Hudson Link and NYSDOT logos on the sides and at the front of the bus. All buses are wheelchair accessible.[19]
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