Bay Town Trolley Experiences Record High Ridership
In a down economy, people turn to the trolley for transportation
March 9, 2009
Panama City, Fla. – Bay Town Trolley officials report an astonishing 81 percent increase in ridership just within the first two months of 2009. With gas prices and the ailing economy in mind, more people are turning to Bay Town Trolley for a budget-friendly way to travel around town. In fact, purchasing monthly passes for an entire year only costs $240; furthermore cost comparisons released by the American Public Transportation Association show that public transportation riders could save more than $8,400 annually.
“The trolley has always been an affordable transportation option in Bay County,” said Beth Coulliette, Bay Town Trolley’s executive director. “But now, more than ever, people are relying on us to get them where they need to go in a timely, efficient and economical manner.”
As spring breakers head into town and with snowbirds still around, Bay Town Trolley is already finding a significant amount of riders on the beach and have thus added an additional trolley to routes 7 and 8. This third trolley will meet the increased ridership demand and stay on the beach routes through the entire season.
In addition to the increased frequencies on the beach, Bay Town Trolley will continue to operate evening extended hours and the free Career Connector route. While these initiatives help increase ridership, trolley officials are also taking advantage of these times to encourage others to ride the trolley through a rider testimonial campaign.
“We want our riders to share their experiences with others, telling people why they “Get Up and Go” with Bay Town Trolley,” said Lee Bragg, the trolley’s general manager. “We’re persuading people to give the trolley a try, while simultaneously dispelling the myth that public transportation is only for certain people; it’s our mission to serve all of Bay County.”
To submit your rider testimonial or find out more information about Bay Town Trolley’s routes and services visit BayTownTrolley.org.
For the past 13 years Bay Town Trolley has provided public transportation services to Bay County with the mission of moving riders of Bay County with clean, safe, efficient and dependable transportation while enhancing the quality of life and meeting the growing needs of the community. The system operates Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. For information on all routes, fares, Ride On Commuter Services and other news and updates log on to www.BayTownTrolley.org.
