They were doing it in September. It was "limited time", but I would think if successful it could stay -- it certainly makes good sense to offer guests a direct route to Disney eats and shopping from a park that closes early! Money sense for Disney it's smart. I know on AK days I don't hesitate to get to the hotel, get in the car and leave property for the outlet mall or dining off property.
they were only testing to see how many people actually used it and as far as I know there was no return bus from Westside !! if you were going to Market place it was a hike!! The bus only stopped at westside then you either walked the rest of the way or caught the boat