Annapolis Mayor Joshua J. Cohen announced today that the City is continuing the pilot Circulator Trolley service as an ongoing part of the Department of Transportation’s Fleet. Moreover, the City will make rides on the Trolley free of charge to the public.
The Annapolis City Council voted to authorize marketing dollars to enhance public awareness of the service, and several members stood with the mayor at today’s announcement.
The Circulator trolley reliably and efficiently moves the public around the City’s Central Business District, from Westgate Circle to Memorial Circle, stopping at each of the City’s four parking garages. Originally established as a pilot in July 2011, the City has recently rolled out a new catchier and more visible logo, hand-held route maps, and new signage along the stops.
“The clanging of the trolley bell is quickly becoming part of the City’s enduring appeal,” Mayor Cohen said. “Changing a town’s culture to make
more use of public transportation is not an overnight endeavor. We are committed for the long haul to continue transforming our transportation system into one that will be the pride of Maryland.”
In November, City Council approved $35,000 to be earmarked for marketing the service.
The City capitalized on increased holiday traffic and kicked off its full-court press marketing campaign including radio, television, newspapers and web promotion.
Since then, ridership is on the upswing. During the Parade of Lights in December, more than 1,000 people rode the Circulator trolley, with 4,100 passengers taking advantage of the trolley during the New Years Eve Celebration in Annapolis. On average, 100 passengers are riding the Circulator trolley daily.
“I feel confident the Circulator trolley will become a widely used mode of transportation because it’s twofold.” Ward 7 Alderman and Transportation Committee Chair Ian Pfeiffer said. The Circulator gets people from one end of downtown to the others in a matter of minutes and if you park in the City garages, the service offers vehicle protection from the elements by providing temperate, well lit, covered garages, supervised by an attendant.”
New Circulator trolley signs are now placed though out the Central Business District with 15 designated drop-off and pick-up locations.
The City is partnering with the hospitality industry and working to create inexpensive employee parking, while also creating a safe environment for those who work late hours and need transportation to their vehicles.
“We have numerous businesses supporting the Circulator from West Street and Main Street to Maryland Avenue and more are showing support every day,” Jerry Hardesty, owner of Middleton Tavern, said. “We will continue to work with the City ensuring safe and inexpensive parking for our employees, and we will be ambassadors for the service by putting Circulator information in shopping bags, in guest checks and in our establishments.”
For more information, go to www.annapolis.gov and click on Circulator.
Eye On Annapolis was at the announcement and recorded the comments from Mayor Cohen, Alderman Pfeiffer, Jerry Hardesty, and Director Newell.
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