by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Representatives from the Jacksonville Transportation Authority held a “familiarization trip” Thursday morning aboard the newly established San Marco Hibiscus Trolley. The shuttle will be formally introduced Feb. 28.
“We’ve worked on this project for two years,” said mayoral candidate and City Council member Matt Carlucci, who represents San Marco. “If any trolley system can work in any area, this is it. I believe it will prove to be another piece to the parking and transportation solution of San Marco.”
Running three trolleys at a staggered pace from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. every week day, the JTA and Carlucci are confident that a trolley will arrive at 26 designated stops every 10 minutes.
“Trolley stops are located at or near bus stops along Hendricks Avenue, Riverplace Boulevard and San Marco Boulevard,” said JTA schedule and service planner Ervin Flynn.
Lori Boyer from the San Marco Preservation Society said she is pleased that trolley service is finally available.
“I believe that this trolley’s primary goal is to relieve parking and congestion at lunch hour,” she said. “A lot of people will avoid things like shopping or dry cleaning at that time because of the traffic. This will be advantageous to everyone.”
Marketing for the Hibiscus Trolley will begin shortly with posters in San Marco and other Southbank locations. Radio spots are likely to follow.
“I like it,” said Carlucci. “I believe that the trolley fits in well with San Marco’s old neighborhood feel. I hope that it catches on.”