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New(er) trolley in town Jacksonville's new trolley makes its first run Wednesday through town. [Mail Tribune / Denise Baratta] Friday Mar 31, 2017 at 2:46 PM Mar 31, 2017 at 4:38 PM Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune A newer trolley will be touring the streets of Jacksonville after rides had to be curtailed last year when the town's 1986 trolley developed problems. “People really do count on having the trolley here,” said Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tim Balfour. When patrons became aware of service interruptions last year, they called regularly to check availability, he said. Trolley patrons liked the open-air experience of the older unit, said Balfour, but the replacement provides an enclosed space. “The windows come down nearly all the way. There’s a big section of windows on the front that can be removed. It’s pretty close to open air,” said Balfour. “It’s a dark-green trolley, so it’s a change from our red trolley.” Money from a combination of sources is financing the $48,000 purchase of the restored 1991 trolley. The city owns the vehicle, and the chamber pays rent of $3,000 per year for its use. The money is set aside in a reserve fund. Purchase was made possible by a chamber contribution of $15,000 from a capital account, $17,000 from the trolley reserve and $16,000 from the city’s parks, recreation and visitor services capital reserve. The City Council will consider a recommendation Tuesday by the Transient Lodging Tax Committee that the remaining balance in that fund, $12,079, be allocated to help restore the parks capital reserve. In addition, a previous grant of $2,641 for work on the old trolley is recommended to be applied to the fund. The diesel-powered vehicle was restored by Crater Lake Trolley Klamath Falls, which operates similar, natural-gas-powered trolleys at Crater Lake National Park. The trolley will seat 20 passengers, down from the previous trolley's 24-passenger capacity. Steps go closer to the ground and are not as steep. Officials are also considering construction of a loading ramp to accommodate people with mobility issues, said Balfour. “It’s a more powerful engine at slow speeds. It should take the Britt Hill and all of that much better,” said Balfour. Britt Music & Art Festival pays a fee for the trolley to circulate in the downtown area during concert nights to bring patrons to the amphitheater. An estimated $35,000 in repairs, including engine replacement, would have been required to keep the old trolley running. The Rogue Valley Transportation District transferred the trolley to the city in 2006. A new machine would have cost $182,000. Tours last 45 minutes, with drivers narrating the history of the town. The $5 fee hasn’t been increased since the last decade. Tour fees pay for insurance, drivers, fuel and maintenance costs. The trolley will circulate in town during the coming month as drivers learn the route, and will be available for private bookings. A church group has leased it for use on Easter. Trolley tours will begin April 28, with Friday through Monday runs. On Memorial Day, the trolley switches to a daily schedule. Friday through Sunday service resumes after Labor Day and continues through October. In addition, haunted trolley tours are scheduled for Oct. 19-21 and 26-28. For more information, call 541-899-8118. A fundraising drive is underway by the chamber to replenish its capital account. Donations can be made at jacksonvilletrolley.com. — Tony Boom is an Ashland freelance writer. Reach him at [email protected].