New Downtown Trolley Begins Operation In Santa Maria
SANTA MARIA, Calif. – Santa Maria has a new addition to its downtown that’s been in the works for 6 years and is now ready to ride. Dubbed the “Downtown Trolley,” the 28-passenger trolley was put into operation Monday morning.
“The purpose is to really provide commerce in the downtown, and to provide both employees and residents a way to get around town,” said Austin O’Dell, Santa Maria transit manager.
The trolley has been a project city leaders have been hoping to establish as part of it’s “Downtown Specific Plan.” During that time span, transit officials, along with local business leaders, have worked diligently to create the route the trolley should service.
“On weekdays, we have route that goes from Town Center West down to the Santa Maria Inn. Then on weeknights, we have a route that goes from the Santa Maria Inn to the Holiday Inn Express,” said O’Dell.
The trolley will operate 7-days a week, with its weekday schedule running from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. On weeknights, hours of operation are 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 pm. On weekends, the trolley will run a route that combines the two weekday routes and will operate from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
“It’s a fun experience. You go to the big cities, London, Paris, they have those big buses, people love to ride those trolleys, so why not here?” said Jean-Luc Garon, Historic Santa Maria Inn general manager.
The landmark hotel is one of a handful of local business that are part of the trolley’s “Rider Rewards” program.
“You’ll get a stamp from one of our drivers and present that to one of our participating restaurants and you’ll get a discount,” said O’Dell.
Garon believes the idea will help generate business, not just to the Historic Santa Maria Inn, but all of the surrounding businesses.
“They can get 10% off of lunch here, so it’s a win-win situation for everybody. It brings people to us and they get a discount at the same time,” said Garon.
City leaders are hoping to extend the route of the trolley to perhaps include other destinations in the future, such as The Crossroads shopping center. Future route additions will be based on the success of its initial run in the downtown area. To make sure residents experience the benefits of riding the trolley, there will be no admission for the first two weeks of operation.
“The trolley is fun, bring your family, hop on board and take a ride on the trolley and see what the downtown is all about,” said O’Dell.
Regular fares will be $1.00 for adults, 0.50 cents for seniors and disabled, kids 5-years and under will be free. The trolley comes equipped with a lift and can accommodate disabled riders. Riders can look for the new “Downtown Trolley” signs at several locations along Broadway.
