Accompanied by the sounds of a vintage-style barbershop quartet and the sights of "Trolley Troupers" dressed in period costumes, the new Coral Gables Trolley service began in November, 2003. Today, the Trolleys have become true "ambassadors on wheels" for the City of Coral Gables, bringing lots of attention and goodwill toward this local government for having the foresight and the efficiency to continue daily operations, without missing a beat.

The Coral Gables Trolley has proven to be a convenient, accessible and affordable transportation system. It is also a green transportation solution. The Trolley program has done what it was designed to do: relieve local traffic congestion, alleviating parking requirements, and connecting downtown Coral Gables to surrounding areas through the Metrorail system. Residents, commuters and visitors have enjoyed the free services provided by the Coral Gables Trolley system. The weekday trolley line is fare-free and all equipment and stops comply or exceed ADA related requirements, allowing all riders unfettered access. Important is the connectivity between the Douglas Road Metrorail and downtown Coral Gables allowing commuters to step off the trains and onto trolleys that take them to and from their work locations. As communities search for solutions that reduce pollution, ensure open access, and lessen the dependency on foreign oil and car trips, the Coral Gables Trolley is one effective system that accomplishes all of the above.

After initial predictions that the Coral Gables Trolley would potentially serve 1,000 passengers daily, the program has been so successful that it is doing today five times the work. Every day, more than 5,000 commuters enjoy the convenient use of the Coral Gables Trolleys. Since its inception, the Trolleys have transported more than 4.4 million commuters to and from downtown Coral Gables.

Independent surveys and audits have confirmed that the program has freed up over 750 parking spaces on a daily basis. Public parking spaces cost in excess of $20,000 a space. The Trolleys have also reduced the number of interlocal and local car trips by 20 percent along its route.

Funding for this program is possible thanks to the Miami-Dade County Half Penny Transportation Surtax, the Florida Department of Transportation and the Metropolitan Planning Organization.

The North/South Ponce de Leon Boulevard Route runs along Ponce de Leon Boulevard from the Douglas Metrorail Station to Southwest Eighth Street. This service runs every 10 to 15 minutes from Monday-Friday: 6:30 a.m. - 8 p.m., except the first Friday of the month which runs until 10 p.m.

Have questions about the Coral Gables Trolley? Call 305-460-5070 or Email Trolley@coralgables.com

Ponce de Leon route

For advertising in the Coral Gables Trolley, visit www.trolinet.net or call 305-447-2262.