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Texas Vintage Trolley Systems |
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Galveston |
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Began Operation: 1988 |
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Miles of Line: 6.7 |
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Stations: 22 + |
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Org: transit agency |
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Schedule: daily |
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photo: Jon Bell |
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Galveston is a turn-of-the century boom town and major Gulf port. This tourist-oriented, island city of about 60,000 uses its trolley to link the Downtown "Strand" with other attractions on the island. The trolley was conceived as an additional tourist attraction and an aid to circulating visitors. It was built using $10 Million dollars in UMTA Federal grant funds, with the local match coming from the State and two private foundations. Service is provided with four unique diesel-electric replica trolleys built new for the operation by Miner Railcar. Each car has its own onboard diesel generator, and so the line has no overhead wires. All trackage is in city streets. The trolley was the result of a lengthy redevelopment process. Studies addressing revitalization of the Strand had started in the early 1970s, and a trolley was first proposed in 1979. The line also had to overcome tremendous public opposition, but has since proven successful enough to merit an expansion of its downtown loop, which occurred in 1995. Most of the line's 55,000 annual riders are tourists, with the heaviest riding during the peak May to September season. In 1995, operation of the line was turned over to Island Transit, the local bus system. Fare structure and hours of operation were integrated with the local bus system, and currently stand at 60 cents for adults and 30 cents for children. In April 2005, a 1.5 mile extension to the University of Texas Medical Branch campus opened. Employees, students, staff and ambulatory patients of UTMB can ride the trolley for free. Equipment: The four diesel-electric replica trolleys were built by Miner Railcar, of Pennsylvania. That company has now changed hands, and has become Kasgro Rail Corp. The four cars are identical, although each sports a different paint scheme. There are seats for 40 passengers, with room for 40 standees. The cars are not handicapped accessible. Cars are designed for an operating speed of 25 mph, and as built, weighed in at 63,000 lbs. In 2005, air conditioning was added.
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