Duncan Celebrates Arrival Of New Bethesda 8 Trolleys

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Contact: Esther Bowring, 240-777-6530
Carolyn Biggins, 240-777-5800

For Immediate Release: March 19, 2001

Duncan Celebrates Arrival of New
Bethesda 8 Trolleys

Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan today announced the arrival of new trolleys that will serve as the Bethesda 8 downtown circulator bus starting Monday, March 26. The trolleys will give the free Ride On shuttle service a distinctive identity and encourage people to enjoy downtown Bethesda without having to rely on their cars.

“One of the best ways to relieve traffic congestion is to increase the availability of transit service where it’s most needed,” said Duncan. “Downtown Bethesda is the ideal place to get people out of their cars and onto transit. The free shuttle service encourages people to take mass transit to work by providing them an easy and convenient way to get to their offices. For those who do drive to work, the Bethesda 8 helps them get around at lunch, enjoy restaurants and shopping, or take in after hours attractions without worrying about driving and parking.”

Ride On purchased three “faux” trolleys that are designed to look like old-fashioned trolleys and are painted to look authentic. These trolleys on wheels are actually buses, but feature an observation deck in back. They can comfortably accommodate 20-25 passengers.

The trolleys cost about $150,000 each, with funding provided by Montgomery County and the Maryland Department of Transportation. The Maryland Department of Transportation will provide for all the cost of operating the trolleys.

“By moving workers, residents and visitors through downtown Bethesda while keeping their cars off the road, the 'Bethesda 8' has enhanced the quality of life in one of Maryland's most vibrant communities,” said Transportation Secretary John D. Porcari. “I believe these unique trolleys will further increase ridership and reduce traffic congestion, and I am proud of the State’s role in making this possible.”

Porcari noted that Governor Parris N. Glendening's proposed six-year, $758 million mass transit initiative includes funds to extend service hours to midnight Monday through Thursday, to 2 a.m. on Friday, and from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturdays. Funds will also be allocated to purchase another trolley-style bus.

The Bethesda 8 shuttle currently operates from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, with stops at the Bethesda Metro station. The Bethesda 8 shuttle service actually started in September 1999 and was named for the eight-minute frequency it provides and the figure “8” shape of its route. The shuttle currently averages 500 to 600 passengers a day.

“It's time to sing the trolley song in Bethesda,” said Montgomery County Councilmember Howard Denis.

The trolleys were manufactured in Crandon, Wisconsin by Double K, Inc. and were purchased from the distributor, Trolley Enterprises, Inc. of Deerfield Beach, Florida.

For more information on the Bethesda 8 route, call Ride On at 240-777-RIDE, or check the County’s website at www.RideOnBus.com.

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