News & Events: Press Releases
September 26, 2008
Trolley Prepares for Final Roar During Thunder Beach Weekend
The Pier Park Express, Bay Town Trolley’s Weekend Beach Route, Ends its Inaugural Season
Media Contact: Allison Fogt
850-878-5531 x223
afogt@kidd.com
(Panama City, Fla.) - As thousands of motorcyclists roar into town for the Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally with families and friends, trolley officials are preparing for yet another high-ridership weekend on the Pier Park Express.
“This semi-annual biker event brings crowds of people to town that aren’t even motorcycle owners, but want to enjoy the festivities,” said Beth Coulliette, Bay Town Trolley’s executive director. “I believe that many of our visitors this weekend will hop aboard the trolley on their way to the different rally venues.”
In addition to the Thunder Beach Rally, this weekend marks the end of Pier Park Express’ inaugural season, and trolley officials are expecting packed trolley’s all weekend long. Last weekend’s ridership topped 978 riders, bringing overall ridership on the weekend beach route to 6,117.
Many Bay County residents and local business owners have expressed their desire to see the trolley continue running. Currently this weekend beach route is funded through Florida Department of Transportation funds, which only make the service available through September 2008. However with ridership continuing to increase over the past three months on the Pier Park Express, it’s possible that either a local contribution or another grant would enable trolley officials to run the weekend beach route in 2009.
“It’s wonderful that everyone, including the hotels, Mayor Oberst and the beach businesses has been so receptive and supportive of this route,” said Coulliette. “We’re just urging people to Flip Flop Aboard the Pier Park Express one last time this year so we can end our inaugural season with a bang.”
For the past 12 years Bay Town Trolley has provided public transportation services to Bay County with the mission of moving riders of Bay County with clean, safe, efficient and dependable transportation while enhancing the quality of life and meeting the growing needs of the community. The system operates Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. The Pier Park Express, Bay Town Trolley’s weekend beach route runs Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. – midnight. For information on all routes, fares, Ride On Commuter Services and other news and updates log on to www.BayTownTrolley.org.
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