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TUCSON, ARIZONA

Old Pueblo Trolley

P.O. Box 1373

Tucson, AZ  85702

Richard Guthrie

(520) 792 1802

History:

The organization was founded in 1983 with the goal of bringing a vintage trolley to Tucson as part of the 1985 University of Arizona Centennial celebration. The group was able to implement a short single-track line along Fourth Avenue, which was later extended east on University to the main gate of the University of Arizona. The line stops short of downtown, due to original funding constraints, and this has limited ridership. The organization has completed a feasibility study of expanding the trolley into a full-time transit shuttle service, and extending it into the downtown area. A summary of this study is found on the web site.

System:

The present line is electrified single track, about 1 mile in length, operating in the center of Fourth St. and University Avenue. There are nine stops along the route. The route serves the Fourth Avenue Business District, which consists of numerous small shops, boutiques and eateries, and links these venues with the University. One car is currently available, and others are in the process of restoration.

The system began operation in 1993 using a Birney car that had been borrowed from the Orange Empire Trolley Museum (of Perris, California) and restored by Tucson volunteers. In 1995, the group completed restoration of a 1953 vintage Japanese tram, after which it returned the Birney Car to Orange Empire.

Operations:

The line operates year round. On Friday it runs from 6:00 PM until 10:00 PM; on Saturdays from Noon until Midnight; and on Sundays from Noon until 6:00 PM. Fares are $1.00 for adults and $0.50 for children on Friday and Saturday, and a flat $0.25 per ride on Sunday. All-day passes are also available.

Organization:

Old Pueblo Trolley owns and operates the system. Staffing is with volunteers. OPT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Operating Cost and Funding:

Operating costs are covered by the farebox revenues and OPT membership support.

Capital Costs and Funding:

Details not available.

System Benefits:

The line serves as an important tourist and visitor link among the venues along both Fourth and University Avenues. Service is largely limited by the availability of volunteers to operate the line, and by having only one car.

System Problems and Issues:

The major problem is that the line does not serve the downtown, and is isolated from that area both physically and visually. The limitations of volunteer operators also prevents the line from fully meeting the service demand

 

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