Santa Cruz has launched a trolley to shuttle riders from downtown to the beach. This is the second time that the trolley has been launched, and though it has only run for a short time, it is already a popular destination on its own.
The trolley, which runs on compressed natural gas, was purchased a decade ago but never succeeded in winning a following. After years of its being parked, the Redevelopment Agency, the Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Association teamed up to see if they could breathe new life into it. Through advertising, they have already raised over half of the $70,000 operating cost.
Part of the trolley’s appeal is certainly the clanging green vehicle itself, which reminds riders of San Francisco’s fabled trolley line. Then there is the price, which is only 25 cents per ride—a bargain considering the high price of gas and parking.
Local businesses are playing a major role in funding the trolley in return for a chance to advertise their products on a digital display inside the vehicle.
It’s cheap, convenient, and a great way to advertise some of Santa Cruz’s finest eateries. But one young rider had a different take on why the trolley is popular: “I just like to ride on it,” he said. Read more at Santa Cruz Sentinel.
