Savannah — Streetcar Resumes Service

July 2014

Savannah's tourist-oriented waterfront trolley — a biodiesel powered ex-Melbourne "W" class tram — returned to service in late June following rehabilitation, the SavannahNow.com site reports. The tram operates a wire-free service; 60,000 riders used it in 2011 which was the last year of full 12-month service.

The trolley would likely have returned to operation sooner but a section of the rails had to be uncovered after they were accidently paved over during a road resurfacing project.

The $81,000 overhaul, paid for with parking fee revenues, became necessary after the weight of the diesel-electric drive train put the streetcar out of commission in early 2013. The major overhaul was undertaken after the wheels required major repairs twice.

No fares are charged in the line as the Mobility Management Board, a nonprofit entity created by the city and tourism industry, devotes hotel-motel tax revenue to reimburse operating costs based on usage.