Funding partnership makes riding Molly the Trolley free again

MollyTheTrolley
 
If you remember, we recently reported that Molly the Trolley rides would be pulling a fiver from your wallet — but thanks to some funding, the trips will now be free once more as of March 1.


This change is thanks to subsidies from the Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau, Downtown Fort Worth Inc. and Sundance Square. Additionally, downtown hotels are helping pay for the service, including the Omni, Worthington Renaissance, Sheraton, Hilton, Embassy Suites and Blackstone Courtyard.
 
“We are excited to provide Molly service at no cost to customers, and we appreciate the participation of our community partners to make that happen,” Paul Ballard, president and CEO of Trinity Metro, said in a news release. “Molly has always been a popular route for getting to the many downtown attractions.”
 
In the release, Fort Worth Trinity Metro said having a downtown trolley helps travelers visiting or residing in the city take a quick tour of downtown or hop off and visit local shops and restaurants. Molly runs every 15 minutes every day of the year from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
 
“Molly the Trolley is a crucial part of the downtown visitor experience,” Bob Jameson, CVB president and CEO said in the release. “Public transportation is a coveted amenity that many convention planners and other visitors consider when choosing a destination. The CVB is happy to help subsidize Molly the Trolley because this service is a win for downtown and the future of tourism.”


Johnny Campbell, president and CEO of Sundance Square, explained that Sundance Square is proud to be able to sponsor the service once more. Rick Baumeister, chairman DFWI Board of Directors, shared the sentiment.
 
“We look forward to the increased ridership on Molly with this change in fare structure,” Baumeister said in the release. “We are pleased to partner with the CVB, Sundance Square, downtown hotels and Trinity Metro to bring this valued service back to Downtown.”
 
According to the release, it costs about $1 million annually to operate Molly the Trolley, and the CVB, Downtown Fort Worth Inc., Sundance Square and downtown hotels will be contributing a total of nearly $136,800 annually to help offset the cost.