Santa Cruz trolley will no longer run during the week due to rising costs

The Santa Cruz trolley is heading into its sixth year. The old ride has been moving passengers between the downtown and beach areas in style. However maintenance costs continue to rise so they’re scaling back how often it runs.

Over the course of the program the two trolleys have transported over 200,000 people. The cost per rider remains at 25 cents, despite rising operation costs. In order to keep the cost to ride the trolley low and the program financially sustainable, the days of operation are being cut back from seven days a week to just two, with the focus on the weekend crowd.

“I think there is something nostalgic about it. There is this beautiful wooden interior, you’re driving through a gorgeous place. It makes it easy, it’s convenient, it will get you through the beach and downtown so you can park and then get out of your car and enjoy the beautiful town that you’re in,” said Economic Development Coordinator Amanda Rotella.

The trolleys will run Saturday, Sundays and Holidays from 12:00-8:00 p.m. The stops are at the Del Mar Theatre, Locust Street Garage, Monterey Bay Sanctuary Exploration Center.