Off-season trolley service meets with success

The number of passengers using Laguna’s free trolleys exceeded the city’s expectations during the first weekend of off-season service, according to a news release.

More than 7,000 passengers rode the trolleys from Friday afternoon through Sunday evening, nearly quadruple the number needed to continue reaping grant money for the program, the release said.

During peak times, six trolleys traveled along Coast Highway, and wait times averaged 15 to 20 minutes.

“City staff, Visit Laguna Beach, the [Laguna Beach] Chamber of Commerce, and local hotels and businesses did a fantastic job in promoting the launch of the off-season trolleys, and I thank all of them,” Mayor Bob Whalen said in the release. “The city is committed to improving traffic circulation in Laguna by moving more people without cars, and this is another example of how we are making progress toward that goal.”

Trolleys have previously operated only during the summer tourist season.

The trolley route includes a loop along Coast Highway extending from Mission Hospital’s parking area in South Laguna to Cajon Street in north Laguna.

Trolleys operate from 4 to 11 p.m. Fridays; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays; and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays.

The Orange County Transportation Authority’s Project V grant primarily funds the service. Grant funding is contingent on a minimum number of passengers over time.

For more information, visit lagunabeachcity.net.

—Bryce Alderton

Twitter: @AldertonBryce