December 6, 2000

BC Transit Unveils A New "Free Ride" Trolley Plus Bus Shelters

BINGHAMTON, NY - A brand new oak-trimmed trolley that will provide free rides to senior citizens is the latest addition to the BC Transit fleet. The big green trolley-reminiscent of public transit in the early 1900's - will first be used to provide free rides to holiday shoppers two weeks before Christmas. After the holidays, it will make the rounds of senior housing centers and senior centers several days a week providing free transportation to downtown stores and area shoping centers, including the Oakdale Mall.

The trolley is 35 feet long, has oak seats, a politician's platform, an AM/FM stereo cassette sound system that will provide soft musich and a traditional clanging bell. The newly arrived trolley was unveiled, decked out in holiday attire, by Broome County Executive Jeffrey P. Kraham, Public Transportation Commissioner Ronald F. Bailey, Binghamton Mayor Richard A. Bucci and downtown merchants in front of the senior residence at 110 Chenango Street.

"The County is pleased to be able to provide free rides to shoppers and, after the holidays, especially to our senior citizens and we're hoping that this nostalgic way to travel to area merchangs will bring back some fond memories," said Kraham.

"It's another way to serve the public in a unique and fun way and we're expecting the trolley to generate a lot of excitement during this holiday season and well beyond it," noted Bailey.

Also shown for the first time was one of 30 new bus shelters to protect passengers from wind, storms and in the warm weather months, from the sun. About one-third of the shelters are already in place at high traffic locations in Binghamton, Johnson City and Westover. The remainder are being constructed with the county anticipating a total of 50 shelters at various stops along its 17 bus routes by fall 2001.

"Broome County is fortunate to have one of the finest transit systems in New York State," observed Kraham. "We're very pleased to offer not only the free trolley rides, but also to have in place protective shelters, which will be an added blessing to our senior citizens who rely on BC Transit in all kinds of weather."

The trolley is wheelchair accessible and has a lift to help passengers get on and off. It seats 28 on old-style wooden benches. It was made by Cable Classic Trolley Company in Cape May, New Jersey and cost $140,000 - completely funded by New York State.

It will take holiday shoppers from downtown Binghamton along Main Street to the Oakdale Mall from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. December 11th through the 23rd, excluding Sundays. It will begin its free service to seniors after the New Year.

BC Transit also announced a contest to name the new trolley. Names should be submitted by January 10th to BC Transit offices and a winner will be announced January 15, 2001. A price of $100 in Golden Dollar coins will be awarded to the person who comes up with the best name.

The new bus shelters cost $1,800 each with 80% of the expense paid by the federal government, 10% from the State and 10% from Broome County. They are expected to generate income for the county through the sale of advertising.

Older Press Releases are online for archival purposes only. If you need updated information regarding items contained in these press releases please contact the Broome County Executive's office. Thank you.