New bus line just for N.B. attractions

New Bedford has a new way to show off its attractions to visitors: an easy hop-on hop-off shuttle bus system that takes you to multiple locations around the city.

It's called the NB LINE. To kick off the service, the city set a ribbon-cutting ceremony of sorts for Thursday morning. Mayor Jon Mitchell took the wheel of one of the first shuttle buses assigned to the route -- with a colorful overlay wrap -- and drove it straight through a banner touting the shuttle bus system.

• On the Web: The NB LINE Shuttle Details

The shuttle system will have three routes, according to a city news release, all starting at the Visitor Center of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park:

• The Downtown Route runs every 20 minutes, connecting the waterfront to museums, local businesses, and visitor destinations
• The Buttonwood Route runs every hour-and-10 minutes, connecting Buttonwood Park Zoo, beaches, antique shops and downtown
• The Fort Taber Route runs every hour-and-10 minutes, connecting Fort Taber Park, the beaches, and other attractions

A one day pass is only $1 for adults; children and students with ID are free.

The shuttle is set to run seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Labor Day. Then, it'll run weekends only Sept. 4 through Columbus Day.