PORT TOWNSEND — The Jefferson County Transit Authority officials plan to cut a ribbon on Thursday in a ceremony welcoming its new trolley-style bus currently running in downtown Port Townsend.
The trolley — which runs the No. 11 downtown shuttle route — is a standard diesel bus that’s been outfitted to look like an old-fashioned trolley, according to Desiree Williams, fleet and facilities manager.
“It’s called a ‘trolley look,’” Williams said Thursday.
It was purchased from the same company that sells Jefferson Transit its other buses, California-based Gillig.
The bus features wooden seats and an old-fashioned bell, Williams said.
With a price tag of $574,000, Williams said the bus was more expensive than a standard city bus but noted the trolley was the first bus JTA had bought in three years, during which time costs had risen.
“We hope the trolley will encourage the use of public transportation when heading into town,” she said.
“Whether it be to eat at a local restaurant, shop at one of the many boutiques or go for a walk on the beach, the trolley will transport you to your destination in style,” Jefferson Transit said in a press release.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place in front of Port Townsend City Hall at 12:15 p.m. Thursday and will be hosted by Jefferson Transit and The Chamber of Jefferson County.
The trolley’s downtown shuttle route departs every half hour from the Haines Place Park and Ride and travels down Sims Way and Water Street before turning onto Monroe and looping back via Lawrence Street.
With the exception of the No. 14 Kingston Express, all of Jefferson Transit’s routes are currently free to ride.
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Reporter Peter Segall can be reached at peter.segall@peninsuladailynews.com.
