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Special Report - A Week Without Wheels
07/15/08 - 12:31 PM
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Jessi Chapin - bio

click for larger image Bay County, Fla:

The Daily Grind:

A work-week with no car… could you do it? Many area residents do it every day, utilizing public transportation for all their appointments, errands, and jobs. Riding the Bay Town Trolley for a work-week can be both an opportunity and a challenge.

“I’ve been riding the trolley for the past 2 years to and from school,” said Bay County resident Carah Watkins, “and it’s not really that bad.” She says there are several up-sides, adding, “they’re always on the time it’s not that expensive.”

Even with no private transportation, trolley rider Randy Williams says it has its conveniences.

“Most of the places I go, my work, trolley stops close to my home, trolley stops right in front of my work,” he said, “ it’s really inexpensive to do so.”

“It’s convenience,” said trolley rider Donald Hele, “Don’t have to be in traffic, don’t have to worry about insurance, don’t have to worry about accidents.”

Though there are stops in front of libraries, hospitals, grocery stores, and other public necessities, riders say there’s one thing they would change.

“Waiting, waiting waiting, waiting, that’s it,” said Ed Urban, a Bay County resident.

“Last week it took me 3 hours to get home from a stop,” said Shawn Boyerski.

Bay Town Trolley General Manager Preston Bragg says it’s a daily challenge for his job as well.

“We have some older equipment,” he said, “but you know we’re slowly getting newer equipment.”

He says ridership records at more than 40 thousand this June are also adding to delays.

“Because gas has gone up we’re carrying more people,” he said, “we’re having to get more vehicles and so getting more vehicles and providing more on-time dependability is my number one.”

But, he says there are solutions in the works to improve service and acquire more vehicles. One project selling ad space on the trolleys is expected to bring in $400 thousand a year for improvements. Bragg says he gives his guarantee for a smoother ride.

“It’s going to get better,” he said, “That’s my promise to Bay County residents. But we’re doing the best we can with what we’ve got now.”

How Does it Add Up?

As gas prices increase, so are trolley passengers, making savings a major reason for riding.

“Because of the gas prices,” said Hele, “And because of the dependability.”

“Gas prices and my license,” said Boyerski.

“I have no private tranportation is the main reason,” said Williams, “and even if I did I’d probably ride the trolley due to the fuel prices now.”

The trolley’s ridership has increased 13 percent since last year.

“Gas at over 4 dollars a gallon, even if I had to pay the dollar and a quarter fare each time it’d be better than paying the gasoline,” said Williams.

One trip on the trolley costs $1.25, while a day-pass is $3. Taking the trolley anywhere for a month is $20, while many consumers fill up at the pump every 2 weeks for at least $40.

“20 dollars a month for a pass verses my little car that I got it takes 40 dollars just to fill it up,” said Bragg, “So I can ride the trolley for a whole month using someone else’s fuel.”

“Instead of taking their car to work,” said Bay County Commissioner Bill Dozier, “they’re able to take the trolley, use that dollar 25 and go where they want to go, and they’re able to save a lot of money.”

But, trolleys use fuel too. Increased prices are making a tough balance for keeping low fares and improving trolley stops by adding shelters.

“It’s quite expensive when you look at adding new shelters,” said Dozier, who represents Bay County in the Transportation Planning Organization, “it’s something that we’re really aggressively seeking trying to add new shelters to the route and make adjustments when needed.”

Though trolley fares went up a quarter within the past year, leaders say keeping low fares will be a priority. A plan to place ads on the side of vehicles will bring an estimated $400 thousand to fund more trolley improvements.

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