On February 25, 2020 THE RIDE welcomed the millionth customer aboard its custom-built entertainment bus. After a bumpy ride through the pandemic, it will take one last trip on the streets of New York this Sunday. After 30,414 performances, THE RIDE has hit the brakes.
In an announcement on their website, THE RIDE said: “This will be our final trip and all future dates and times are in the process of being canceled. To all our many fans — THANK YOU!” Your last chance to join the experience Broadway World called ‘the greatest show on wheels’ will be October 16, 2022. They added via a statement: “When we returned after the long COVID shutdown, we hoped that although we came back to a changed world, we would find a way to make the unique and thrilling experience of THE RIDE work in a post-pandemic city. Unfortunately, we’ve made the difficult decision to end our unprecedented 12-year run in New York.”
THE RIDE first hit the streets of New York on October 15, 2010. The concept, written and directed by Richard Humphrey is a 75-minute interactive experience shared by passengers sitting sideways on a bus traveling the streets of the city. A theatrical experience is played out through Times Square and Midtown with performers popping up to entertain.
As well as the 49 clients who enjoy each trip, the venture has been supported by 152 performers, technicians, drivers, box office treasurers and administrators. Before the pandemic, 35 New York actors alternated in the on-board roles of Ride Hosts
“Scott” and “Jackie”.
The Prevost H3-45 VIP Edition coach was completely gutted and rebuilt to include three rows of customized stadium-style seating. More than 3,000 LED lights, 40 video screens, a surround-sound system and floor-shaker technology emulated the feel and sound of everything from a subway passing underneath to the inside of a nightclub or a Broadway Theater.
Richard Humphrey, co-CEO and Chief Creative Officer said in a statement: “I could not be prouder of the talented team who produced shows in every type of weather, adapting to traffic jams, street fairs and political conventions, to bring the energy of the greatest city in the world to over a million visitors.” He continued, “We hope that this is not the end for THE RIDE and to be able to announce future iterations.”
Guests who purchased tickets directly with THE RIDE for dates beyond October 16 will automatically be refunded by October 23 via the credit card used for purchase. For all other purchases, contact your point of sale to arrange a refund. THE RIDE team can be mailed at reservations@experiencetheride.com with any additional questions. Its sister product, THE TOUR, will close simultaneously as the company ceases operations.
They dont explain why they are ending this. Please explain why.
Gloria, it sounds like they’re going out of business.