Greensboro Downtown Trolley Coming Soon
This summer, Greensboro has exciting plans to launch a new trolley service that will provide free transportation throughout downtown. The city is currently seeking input from its residents to help select a name for the service.
According to a news release from the city, the trolley will operate along the popular Elm Street corridor seven days a week, from the morning until as late as midnight. Commuters can expect the trolley to arrive at an average frequency of 5 to 7 minutes, making it a convenient and reliable transportation option.
To participate in the naming process, residents can visit ridegta.com or visit the GTA’s social media pages on Twitter/Facebook (@gtaheat) or Instagram (@gtaheatbus) to submit their suggestions before May 8.
The trolley service will include several stops, such as the South Elm Street/Union Square area, Tanger Center, Center City Park, the LoFi (Lower Fisher) Park area, as well as several major downtown employers. Moreover, the route will connect with several existing Greensboro Transit Agency (GTA) routes, providing a seamless transportation experience.
The four “trackless” trolley vehicles will be operated by GTA, and their exterior design will resemble the classic rubber-tired trolleys that were last seen in the Gate City in the 19th century. A trolley-bell sound will announce arrivals at specially marked trolley stops, and pre-recorded internal announcements will provide information about local landmarks and points of interest, according to GTA spokesman Kevin Elwood.
The vehicles’ interiors will be decorated with transit maps from the 1940s, adding a nostalgic touch to the modern transportation service. The trolley service is part of a pilot program aimed at improving downtown mobility and reducing dependence on cars.
The project received its initial funding of $90,000 from City voters in 2019, during Cycle 3 of Greensboro’s Participatory Budgeting process. Additionally, the City Council approved another $1 million earlier this year from its American Rescue Plan funds to support the trolley service.
All submissions to name the service will become the property of the city and may be used in full or in part, according to the city’s release.
