A New Rock Hall Trolley
April 11, 2012
Within the next few weeks I will call a special meeting for the Council to decide if we will once again have a trolley system moving residents and visitors around our town. Months ago I went to the Greater Rock Hall Business Association and asked this question of them. Our businesses have overwhelmingly said yes. Their endorsement is not just in words but also in a commitment of funding through the use of the Hotel Tax and an increase to the yearly business license fee each of them pay. If the Council approves the new trolley system, our businesses will also be looked upon to purchase advertisements to help offset the yearly operating costs. Similarly, we will need a strong commitment from our town workers who will be called upon to manage the trolley’s operations and maintenance. For your review and comment is the system we are proposing.
In the first paper, I’ve outlined the system proposed, a schedule, route and the frequency we will be operating. To make this schedule possible, will be using a small group of paid and volunteer drivers to ensure we can cover those busy weekends when our normal population doubles with boaters and tourists. The second paper is a general overview of our overall concept. You will see that we looked at other alternatives but ruled them out because of their unacceptably high costs or that they were not able to keep up with the schedule and hours we felt were necessary. Lastly, I’ve captured the elements of costs both overall and yearly. This third paper also highlights the expected revenue we hope to generate. Please take a look at each of these papers and send me any questions or comments you have.
I want to underscore the significance of the Town Council’s vote on this issue. For Rock Hall to make a trolley system possible will require a large commitment of funds from our Town budget. Of equal importance is the significant commitment it will require of our municipal employees as well as the continued commitment of each and every one of our businesses. This is a big decision for the Town Council and Rock Hall. Regardless of the decision they reach, I’m confident their only consideration will be the best interests of our community.
The three papers mentioned above can be viewed from these links:
Mayor Bob Willis, Rock Hall MD
mayor@rockhallmd.com
According to paper #2, anyone over 48″ tall will ride for free.
That’s UNDER 48″ rides free.
Bob I will volunteer as a driver, and will help with any maintenance, or repairs as needed.
Wow! This definitely looks like a GREAT new system – and it makes perfect sense. There are many obvious reasons why such an investment is needed and there are also reasons that are not so obvious. Do we as a town and business community want to be the best at what we are and what we do? This completely unique and original concept is one that you will not find anywhere else on the Bay or even in any other such small town. It is a bold step and resonates the kind of commitment that has made Rock Hall such an exceptional place to live and do business. I believe this new system will enable us to become an even better destination, a better place to keep a boat, and best of all, a better a place to live and do business. Kudos to all who participated in the development of this concept.
Mark Einstein
I second that !!
Why is Osprey Point not on the stops list?
It looks as though this new transportation system is following the three principles needed for overwhelming success:
1) Do it BIG
2) Do it right (the first time)
3) Give it class
For anyone who has concerns as to the financial potential of this new transportation system, I truly believe that the revenue estimates are being low-balled. From driving the rickshaws and also getting to see the amount of riders of the other shuttle last year, 2000 passengers would be an appropriate estimate only if Rock Hall hosted no big events. We should easily surpass that number and see greater financial success as a result.