Photo By Michael Strasser | Maj. Gen. Scott Naumann, 10th Mountain Division (LI) and Fort Drum commanding general,...... read more read more
FORT DRUM, N.Y. (Sept. 26, 2025) -- The Alpine Express shuttle bus made a brief stop in front of Hays Hall on Sept. 26 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to formally recognize the launch of Fort Drum’s free transit service.
Maj. Gen. Scott Naumann, 10th Mountain Division (LI) and Fort Drum commanding general, applauded the partnership with Lewis County and the people who worked on this project for over a year through an Intergovernmental Support Agreement (IGSA).
“This is more than just cutting the ribbon for a bus service,” he said. “This is a demonstration of the proud partnership and really incredible link that we share and that we are privileged to have as someone who benefits from living in the North Country.”
Naumann said there are many young Soldiers and families whose quality of life will improve knowing there is a new transportation option on post. He commented how his wife will offer rides in her car when she passes by a Soldier and had to explain to their son why this act of generosity matters.
“They’re not choosing to walk in the rain or snow,” Naumann said. “They don’t have a choice. Now, they’ve got a choice. Now, they’ve got this fantastic option, and we’re really excited about this. We know the impact is going to be real. And frankly, it’s happening now.”
The transit route, which started Sept. 22, includes 53 stops throughout the cantonment and Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield, and covers the dining facilities, medical clinics, shopping and recreational centers, and barracks and housing areas.
Christine Robinson, Fort Drum Plans, Analysis and Integration Office (PAIO) management and program analyst, served as the technical representative on the IGSA partnership. She said she dug deep into her military and federal service experience for relevant project management knowledge.
“I’ve had to dive into numerous Army regulations regarding mass transit, non-tactical vehicle transportation and independent government cost estimates for running a service such as this,” Robinson said. “I will tell you, though, that the civilians and contractors on this installation that have the knowledge and expertise in these areas are amazing and were so helpful with guiding me to the answers I was looking for. It definitely took a village to get it completed.”
Robinson said that as more drivers are hired and trained, the Alpine Express will have increased hours of operation, including weekends. Curious as to what community members are thinking about the Alpine Express, Robinson said she spoke with the drivers two days after the launch.
“One service member had been walking from The Timbers to her unit every day since she did not have a vehicle here,” Robinson said. “A Commissary employee had finished work and caught a ride with the Alpine Express to the housing area. Even though there were several stops before getting to his destination, he was happy just to relax and not have to walk a long distance.”
Robinson also learned of a family member who just arrived at Fort Drum from Germany. She had dropped her child off at a child development center, and hopped on the Alpine Express – not to go to a particular destination, but just as a break from unpacking and to explore the area.
“A lot had changed since they were last stationed here 15 years ago,” Robinson said. “She intended to take the Alpine Express again the following day for her son’s medical appointment. She said she was happy because they have only one vehicle and it wasn’t running, so this helped a great deal!”
Naumann said it is important to spread the word about the Alpine Express so that more people can benefit from the service.
Information about bus schedule, route and times is available at https://home.army.mil/drum/about/alpine-express and the QR code posted on the bus stop signs that links to https://home.army.mil/drum/about/alpine-express.
Commuters can use the free Transit app to access the Lewis County Public Transit lines, schedules and maps. This includes the Fort Drum Circuit Route that travels from Lowville, Carthage, Croghan and Evans Mills onto post, and will soon include the Alpine Express.
| Date Taken: | 09.26.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.26.2025 14:22 |
| Story ID: | 549427 |
| Location: | FORT DRUM, NEW YORK, US |
| Web Views: | 13 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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