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Dalton considers downtown public trolley

By: Kevin Cummings
(Contact)

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Margaret Thigpen

DALTON, Ga. — A trolley bus soon could be a public transportation option for residents and visitors in downtown Dalton.

The city is negotiating a deal to operate a trolley bus that would shuttle passengers to city hotels, restaurants and some neighborhoods, Mayor David Pennington said.

“(The deal) is not moving as quickly as I thought it would, but by the next meeting hopefully it will have moved farther along than it has now,” Mr. Pennington said Wednesday.

The City Council was ready at its Monday night meeting to vote on the proposal to lease a gasoline-powered trolley bus, but action was delayed because final details were not worked out on the lease arrangement.

The trolley would be a boost to downtown businesses, with service provided probably from 5 p.m. to midnight, Thursday through Saturday, the mayor said.

The trolley service would be a plus when attempting to lure tourists, said Margaret Thigpen, executive director of the Dalton Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“We’re not really partnering financially or anything of that nature,” Ms. Thigpen said. “What we are doing is helping our hotels and restaurants know about it.”

She said that way visitors can be made aware of the trolley and may use it, she said.

Mr. Pennington said the desired arrangement is for the trolley to be used on a trial basis for four months to gauge whether the vehicle is a good fit for the city and something to do permanently.

During that trial period, the public will ride free.

Carpets of Dalton owns a trolley bus that the city is considering.

Ken Brown, Carpets of Dalton marketing director, said the vehicle will seat up to 28 people, is handicap accessible and air conditioned. The business formerly used the bus to transport customers at its expansive property.

While the details are still being worked out, officials said there is the potential that area businesses will contribute to help pay the drivers for the trolley, officials said.

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