Margate already said NO to Jitneys. But what about a trolley to shuttle residents during the summer?
Due to lack of parking and heavy summer traffic, Margate is now considering starting a trolley service within the city.
The City of Margate could buy or lease a trolley. Another option: contract with a private company.
It could cost as much as $500 a day for an 8-hour route. Would the City of Margate charge a fare? A Margate trolley could have 10 stops, connecting business districts, Lucy the Elephant, Amherst Ave, etc.
Margate resident John Sewell says the MBA, Margate Business Association, should pay for the trolley service. Sewell says local taxpayers are already giving $85,000 annually to the MBA.
The Atlantic City Jitney did a Downbeach trial a few years back, extending service from AC to Ventnor and Margate. Most believed it failed due to lack of marketing, awareness, and e-z to spot signage along the route. Real Estate execs seemed to be the most vocal opponent to the Jitney.
It could cost well over $50,000 to operate a Margate Trolley service over the summer season.
What do you think? Should Margate have a summer trolley? Leave a comment below.
Please get your information right. Margate did not say no to the jitney service, the jitney service pulled out due to lack of ridership. Trolley Service has been investigated numerous times before and due to cost and potential conflict with NJT, which is governed by law, it never came to fruition. This is not a new idea………….
Sounds great but those coming to Margate won’t take any form of public transportation, they need to be seen in their Tesla, MB, BMW, etc.
LOL
Hmm. Trolley service? Given so many challenges to implementing this, it would appear to be prudent to first provide compelling reasons to have it. My knee jerk reaction to the idea is that it sounds like a good idea, but perhaps more as a marketing tool, to strengthen Margate’s position as an attractive shore resort town. But I see many realities against the idea. Margate is already an established resort destination. Most people prefer the independence and reliability of self driving. To provide quality service several trollies would have to be operating simultaneously, only adding further to our summer traffic congestion. Overall, a nice idea, but realistic? I think not. But let’s hear from those who favor it.
I see little negatives with a trolly service for the summer assuming it can be implemented. Parking is very difficult, esp. on weekends. People don’t want to move their cars fearing they will not be able to find parking when they return. Strategic stops for the trolly are key. Additionally, the trolly should be on one of the wider streets, preferable Atlantic which seems to have less traffic. Hope it gets tested this summer.
I think a trolley would be awesome and helpful especially now with the miniature golf more people are going to that part of town and there is currently little parking options.
I would like transportation such as jitney or trolley to Margate. When i visit AC I stay at Harrahs normally & but when its beach time I want to go to Margate & eat at Green House & have drinks preferably I dont want to drive back & forth. Maybe the jitney can have a stop that a 5 block walking distance. I would be willing 2 walk but not more than 5 blocks