Trolley / Tram on Scenic 30A

[UofL]

Saw a poll on FB asking about a bus/trolley on 30A. I like walking to eat/shop but there's a limit to how far I'll walk/ride my bike to eat or shop. Seaside to Grayton Beach is usually it. Also, we usually take leftovers with us, so riding the bike/walking, can be a challenge sometimes. The heat of the summer keeps us from walking/riding our bikes very far after 9:30 am or so.
It would be fun to catch a bus/trolley from Seaside to Grayton - looking out the windows at the views - and not have to look for a parking spot to go you know where. Think about Stinky's parking limitations.
Now, those of you who live in SoWal, if you don't want it, I understand. But I kinda like the idea.
Theoretically, I can park my car and ride to the Publix and walk/ride my bike and shop for anything I need while I'm there. But I do get antsy and do like to venture into Elmo's or something at Rosemary's Beach. Ellen

[ten20life]

I think a 30A Trolley would be an excellent idea... I could see it being very popular and growing very quickly with everything to see and do in the area... Might be hard to find a seat!

[scooterbug44]

I believe there was going to be a test shuttle done last summer by Sunshine Shuttle, running in the afternoon/evenings Thursday-Saturday.

But then BP's epic cluster put an end to it.

IMO it would a GREAT use of TDC funds to start running one. I would certainly use it instead of driving.

[Abby Prentiss]

The friends of Scenic 30A did a test run last year. They are all for it.

[tistheseason]

I love the idea of an open air trolley with bike racks in the front. It could really help merchants who struggle with parking issues! I rarely get in my car while at the Beschloss because we are within biking range of lots of restaurants. But every once in a while, we want to venture a little further.

I do not like the idea of bus or shuttle. Too stuffy for the beach!

[scooterbug44]

I want something covered and with AC. Rain, sun, humidity, bugs, can make an open air ride not so pleasant.

[Andy A]

As a local resident, I am all for the idea, Also, I would probably use it, particularly to go to Seaside and possibly Rosemary Beach. A monthly or weekly pass would be a good idea, IMO.

[scooterbug44]

I vote the TDC pays for it, so it's free.

[MrMentalFitness]

I wonder how much a city bus costs - like they have in Seattle, L.A., Atlanta and such. Many of the ones in the northwest are Hybrid buses, too.

That's a job I'd have a good time with, being a 'city' bus driver in SoWal.

Hmmmm....

[scooterbug44]

I vote for several small shuttles or buses that run on biodeisel or are electric. That seems to be the trend in more progressive suburban/urban areas so you don't have massive fuel cost changes, lots of exhaust, and less noise. I believe grant money might also be available if we go that route.

[Paula]

I would love a way to get around SoWal without a car. We always rent a car for a lot of money, but we don't use it much at all (grocery shopping, a few trips to restaurants, etc.). If there was a trolley that went up and down 30A around each mealtime and then at night, that would be great. I don't like the open air idea because of the weather as well as safety. It could be a minibus that is brightly colored 30A style - something that would look very cool.

[paddleboarder]

The trolley, bus or whatever is an awesome idea! We would definitely use it. The bars would profit big time because the driving & drinking problem has kept us home a lot. Our 30A would be so much safer if people had this option. If it's free, that's great, but if there's a charge, that's great too; just do it!

[scooterbug44]

I'd probably still use my car to grocery shop, but would LOVE to be able to leave it at home and take a bus/trolley to dinner, events etc.

Decrease in drunk driving, less parking issues, less gas being used, advertising space for local businesses, the potential benefits are endless!

[Andy A]

There is no doubt this would be a great boon to the area. The TDC just received 8 million + for advertising. Surely some quick minded individual can figure out how to qualify this as "advertising" or how to transfer funds from advertising to something else while replacing them with the money designated for advertising. Let's see the TDC step up to the plate and do something really beneficial to the area other than "branding".

[Auggie Gal]

We have the trolleys here in St. Augustine and they are very popular. Having used these in Key West to park and ride, know that the open air ones are not the best to be on during our afternoon thunderstorms here in Florida. We would definitely use one for 30A travel during our stays at Grayton Beach. Love the idea, but would hope they would be hybrids or electric.

[John R]

I believe a 30A resident has been hired by a private firm to do a feasibility study on said topic. Not sure if they are sowal member.

[incredible1]

The trolley, bus or whatever is an awesome idea! We would definitely use it. The bars would profit big time because the driving & drinking problem has kept us home a lot. Our 30A would be so much safer if people had this option. If it's free, that's great, but if there's a charge, that's great too; just do it!

Perhaps the bars/restaurants could fund it. $500 a month from each one, now you have customers coming to you for small cost

[Paula]

If there is a charge, then it should be (1) less than it would cost to take a taxi (e.g., a family of 4 being charged for a trolly could probably also take a taxi depending on where they're going; (2) kids under a certain age could ride free with an adult.

I love this idea. Could be tried out in the summer, and it could have more runs during peak season and festivals, and fewer at off seasons. Snowbird time could be a good time, too.

If TDC needs to call it advertising, there could be advertising on certain parts of it (not all of it if possible because it would be funn (remember funn?) for it to be artsy beachy looking so it fits with the SoWal theme.

[SWGB]

Voila!

http://www.thedestinlog.com/news/ease-39341-nwfdn-rosa-30a.html

Well that link had an article about a shuttle being offered by Sunshine Shuttle & Limo. Apparently there was a meeting with business owners, the company, and Cecilia Jones talking about cost. It mentioned that the buses would come by about every 22 minutes which is more than convenient in my mind. I believe it would be free and supported by local businesses. Hours were listed as 10am to 2am 7 days a week. It would run from Memorial Day to Labor Day to start.

[UofL]

Sunshine Shuttle and Limousine: Scenic 30a Trolley!!!

We'll see if this works.

[scooterbug44]

I love it except for the music/tvs. IMO part of the reason to have these is to cut down on noise pollution and give people a chance to gawk at the gorgeous Sowal scenery without holding up traffic/causing accidents.

[heartbren]

I am really excited about this idea. I don't like to drink and drive so I don't go to far from home. Someone else said something in reference to that also. Cabs are expensive and if they charge or not, I'm all for it. Great idea!

[tistheseason]

I love this -- but, like scooter bug, think the tv's aren't a great idea! I know that a way to sell advertising -- I'd rather charge riders!

[Paula]

I love having a shuttle from ECP airport to 30A. It seems that it's available only during spring break. Is it available at other times of the year as well?

I wish the best to Sunshine Shuttle and Limousine. I like the look of the shuttle bus - fits with 30A.

[Paula]

I'm fine with advertising on some parts of the shuttle, as long as it's artsy and they then use those funds to provide the shuttle service free or at very low cost.

[Teresa]

Sunshine Shuttle and Limousine: Scenic 30a Trolley!!!

We'll see if this works.

how adorable..


Love the A/C idea and don't mind the music or tvs - don't think it will distract from the scenery much.

[UofL]

I love exploring 30A and don't always want to do it by car. Riding my bike one way about 8 miles isn't bad, but the return trip can be a challenge in the heat of the summer. And we have to stop and look. We're not road warriors. We do put our bikes in our van, drive to a distant location like Topsail or Rosemary and explore by bike. Would love to explore the gulf and other shops that are inbetween the villages/communities. I think they will benefit the most. It will allow me to check for new places to stay, their beach access, etc.
Can't wait

[scooterbug44]

I know the tvs are a good way to advertise, I am just fighting a losing battle against them being EVERYWHERE.

Can't wait for the shuttle to start!

[Tate10]

I have been a property owner in Seagrove for 10yrs now and was thinking about this. I have a 15 person shuttle. Although not as cute as an open air trolley it's not ugly either, and would be designed on the outside to resemble 30A as much as possible. I had ideas of running times from 10:00am-2:00am. $2.00 a ride or $5.00 day pass. Would also take phone calls from people requesting rides, could carry bikes, wheel chair, and would work with all the local businesses. Not sure if the TDC, locals, and local government would approve of this. If the other trolley service falls through and if there was interest I would look into it more. Thank you for your input. Tate

[tsutcli]

I haven't seen anywhere on this thread the question of where these vehicles plan on stopping. Will there be cut-outs off 30a to use while bikes, wheelchairs, beach stuff, etc. are loaded and off-loaded or will they just block a lane of 30a and make the rest of us wait on them? Can you legally pass a vehicle such as this while it is doing its business - remember the kids - or will they be like school buses? Rather than speed things along I suspect they will only add to the congestion problem. I suspect they will be a novelty for a while but in the end people will opt for the convenience of a car or LSV. A boondoogle probably being supported by taxpayers in the end.

[scooterbug44]

There are many parking lots and central areas of towns where they could pull in and not hold up traffic.

[Tate10]

I would not block 30A for pickups. If you are picking people up from a condo complex, local business, or one of the towns (Rosemary, Seaside, Seacrest, Alys....ect) all have spots that could be pulled over in to load and not block traffic on 30A. I have never been held up by a UPS/Fedex del driver on 30A. Kind of the same purpose dropping and picking things off. They usually find a spot somewhere to pull into.

[tsutcli]

If your idea is that these will provide easy transport to your favorite/new eatery how many people will be within easy access to one of the programed stops? Or is it the plan that the driver will pull over for anyone flagging them down at any intersection thus leading to traffic congestion? This idea will quickly morph into one of unintended consequences where other people, who have their rights also, get stepped on in pursuit of the hotly pursued tourist.

[scooterbug44]

It's a bus/shuttle. You have set stops.
It isn't meant to go door to door, so you might have to walk a couple blocks - like any other bus/shuttle.
And both locals and tourists can use it to get around instead of driving - especially instead of drinking and driving.

[robertsondavies]

totally agree with this statement. it has to have character, and the exterior needs to be designed or purchased and remodeled by someone other than the people who choose the Big Blue signs for 30A. Needs to be open air... with a bike rack on front would be outstanding. Imagine a tangible pay back for the 13% bed tax the owners collect and remit (damn, that's exhorbitant for ineffectual advertising, that has to include Miramar Beach in its thinking, so as to be 'inclusive')

[ameliaj]

It's a bus/shuttle. You have set stops.
It isn't meant to go door to door, so you might have to walk a couple blocks - like any other bus/shuttle.
And both locals and tourists can use it to get around instead of driving - especially instead of drinking and driving.

I think that would be a perfect set up. I don't mind walking a couple of blocks to catch a ride to my favorite spots. We are on the Rosemary end of 30a and we have great restaurants, but so many times I would love to go toward Grayton, Blue Mt., etc but hesitate because we do not drink and drive. Its hard to go far afield if someone has to have iced tea with dinner instead of the lovely bottle of wine/martini that everyone else is having.

[UofL]

Last night in Louisville was the monthly Frankfort Avenue trolley hop. Several trolleys do a circuit that takes about an hour if you stay on it the whole time. We did that once. Parked at the Mellwood Arts Center and rode. Because Frankfort Avenue has scattered spots of clustered shopping/dining, it's great to have this. I don't know how many years they've been doing this. First Friday is the downtown Trolley Hop. We also have trolleys that run downtown daily - still free also.
Can't wait until we can trolley hop at the beach. I want to use for looking at other beach homes in areas I might normally get to park and walk around. Of course the Red Bar too:-)
Ellen
F.A.T. Friday Hop

[heartbren]

I think it is a great idea and about time. People tend to drink alot in this area and do not venture far from home sometimes because of it. This way people can go places and not worry about a getting a DUI. I do not drink and drive so I don't go far or do much. The small problems they may have getting it off the ground I think is minimal compared to the service. People will go more places and help the local businesses. I will certainly be useing this service if it comes about which I hope it will. Just my opinion on the subject.

[Paula]

I think this would be fine. I think the success will be in the business plan. With something like this, you could try out various strategies, paying attention to what people on this board say and elsewhere. You could try it out without too much to lose. A shuttle back and forth to the airport(s) with a competitive rate would be good. It costs a minimum one way of $65 for a taxi from the Panama City airport to get to Rosemary Beach area. Keep in mind that if a family of 4 is travelling together, taking the shuttle could become expensive so there could be family plans possibly. You'd want to figure out the different benefits/costs of people renting cars (expensive but a lot of flexibility and may not be too much more expensive than buying bus tickets for a family of 4/5 every day), taking taxis if a family only wants to leave their area 1-2 times each week, versus the flexibility of a van option like yours. I do like the idea of a pick-up and drop off at people's communities if the van parks off the street and doesn't get in anyone's way. Making the van more beach like would make it more lovable, though I might not paint it up until I tested out various options, did the advertising, figured out permits, etc.

So far, we've always rented cars for our family of 2-4 people because of the flexbiility, but in general we just drive from the airport to the cottage, go to a few restaurants and grocery shopping during the week, and then drive back to the airport. So, vans may be able to offer a better rate. We'd love to come to the beach without renting a car. And I agree that taxis and shuttles are a great service to keep people who are drinking off the road after visiting bars/restaurants.

[Tate10]

Airport pickups to 30A would definitly be part of it. Maybe something like $35.00 for a family and $20.00 for a single rider. Family all day tickets could also be offered for $10.00 and $5.00 for a single rider. Stops at publix for shopping also. I think the local bars/restaurants could benifit from people staying a little longer and having that extra drink knowing they don't have to drive.

[Paula]

thanks, Tate10. We'd really love to figure out how to come to 30A without a car sometime. They are o expensive. We spend two weeks in a small town in Italy every summer without a car and never miss it. We walk everywhere, get a taxi or take a bus if we need it. We'd love to do the same in SoWal. We'd get bikes instead. We'd use a shuttle from the airport and back, to Publix, and maybe the Red Bar. the family all day ticket would be great.

[WaltonIsOne]

Sunshine Shuttle has been educating local business owners on the value of a Tram Service proposed to operate along Scenic 30-A.

In an "invitation to participate" recently sent to 30-A business owners, Sunshine Shuttle expressed its intention to have designated pick-up and drop off points at local businesses that sponsor the Tram service.

It seems that the 30-A Tram service would be an excellent way to increase local and tourist patronage of businesses sponsoring the Tram service. Not to mention a great way to allow "non-drivers" and "shouldn't be drivers" from getting to and from different venues and businesses along 30-A.

It would be interesting to hear what 30-A business owners, business employees, and local citizens think about a 30-A Tram service. In particular, how business owners and employees think a Tram service would benefit their specific business.

[ASH]

I think this would be a great way for people unfamiliar with the area to get comfortable with what's where prior to them shuttling themselves around driving like a tourist who just missed their turn. It also would alleviate additional parking stress in many already overcrowded tourist destinations. Even 10 less cars trying to find a parking spot in Seaside would immediately be noticed.

[mdfamily5]

I would have to agree and support the ideals that are trying to beimplemented on 30A. Even as someone who travels to 30A from time to time seesthat the traffic is always a hindrance when it comes to trying to get to whereone needs to be (especially if it were a timing issue like perhaps dinnerreservations and what not). I also have to agree that it will bring forward thebusiness (that are in support and will be featured) as to improve their overallbusiness. Not only will this alleviate time and traffic but it will cut down onthe constant noise and parking as well.

[Christina528]

This tram service is much needed in the area for a couple of different reasons. Visitors need an alternative way of transportation besides coming here and renting a car for sightseeing or going from point A to B. Families that have guest in town may not be available to show guest around and teenagers may want to venture out with friends and go shopping or to the beach. Interns or exchange student may need transportation to work while being here in the spring and summer. There are many reasons we need this tram service.

[scooterbug44]

I would love to have it for these reasons mentioned, but also to greatly reduce the number of drunk drivers.

[heartbren]

I think this service can do nothing but good for 30A. I think people would frequent places further from their homes for dinner and drinks and other events. They could relax more knowing they do not have to drive and it will also help business owners since if they stay longer they will spend more money. I really hope this comes about. I can see no negative in it and always wondered why they did not have some sort or service such as this. I hope you can make it happen and that the public supports this service. Thanks for trying to get something started that we desperately need.

[mdfamily5]

So after looking at a few responses and comments in regards to the 30Atransportation....What would it take to get this going? What would it take tofund the said project? What about the local businesses, would they be willingto help sponsor, after all they are going to be dropping off individuals iffront of thier businesses? And what about the TDC?????............

[soappedaler]

Seems like the tram should stop at Topsail Hill Camp ground, I'd think that some of the folks in the RV's would be happy not to have to unhook. Many of them trailer a car or motorcycle or bike for extra transportation but I thought the first unsuccessful trolley would have benefited from stopping up there.

Also the parking lot at the park, would be a great place for the bus to turn around in.

[Murray Balkcom]

I think we could see locals using it as much as tourists. I can think of some downsides (developments want to keep their renters on property), but I think if they open their minds a little more, they will realize that they will likely draw in more people than will they will lose to other venues. 30A could really use a good, inexpensive, running on time, shuttle. I'd use it sometimes.