Fall River's new trolley to hit the streets with 12 stops to city's points of interest

FALL RIVER — It’s got a shiny new gloss to it, a great sound system and party lights and the Fall River logo just recently painted on the side.

And this Saturday for the first time, the old time trolley with recently purchased American Rescue Plan Act money will hit the city’s streets shepherding riders to favorite points of interest.

On Tuesday, Mayor Paul Coogan and his staff were on hand at the City Pier and cut the ribbon on the city’s trolley.

The city purchased the used trolley for $60,000 from a company in Delaware and Coogan credited staff from the Department of Community Maintenance with performing the upgrades in house.

“And the results speak for themselves, it looks absolutely great,” said Coogan.

The trolley will complement the host of events that the city is planning from nature walks, music and food trucks on the City Pier and youth events throughout the summer.

Al Oliveira, director of city operations, said the in-house work cost $17,000, which included the installation of a new wheelchair lift.

Trolley a new way to experience Fall River

“This initiative is more than just a means of transportation. It represents a new way for residents and visitors to experience the unique charm and rich experience of our city,” said Patti Rego, executive director of Viva Fall River, whose organization is working with Fall River in its tourism efforts.

The trolley, Rego said, will be a gateway to Fall River’s neighborhoods and attractions and will be a valuable resource to assist visitors to navigate Fall River’s landmarks.

“Never say there is nothing happening in Fall River again,” said State Rep. Carole Fiola. “I have to say I’m overwhelmed with pride to see the work that is being done by the mayor and his team and by all the organizations.”

Speaking with the din of heavy machinery working along the multi-million-dollar Route 79 project, Fiola said it was the launch “of an exciting tourism and travel here in Fall River.”

Catch up on the news Fall River has a new trolley and a bookmobile. A water taxi is starting this summer.

So where will the trolley travel?

The trolley’s route will be a 12-stop loop with a flat fee of $5 with children and children under age 12 are free.

Rego said the loop starts off in front of the Maritime Museum, on to Columbia Street and over to St. Anne's Church.

Then its on to St. Mary’s Church and the Lizzie Borden area. After that is on to Troy Street, which will be an introduction to the Lower Highlands, said Rego.

The trolley will travel to the Little Theater neighborhood for an introduction to the historic Highlands.

“Then to Lizzie Borden’s grave which has been super popular as an attraction,” said Rego.

The trolley will then move on to Portugalia Marketplace, then to Purchase Street. The trolley will then make stops at the Children’s Museum of Greater Fall River.

It then travels to Bicentennial Park where the city’s famous war memorials are located, and the loop ends at the historic Lafayette-Durfee House.

Riders will be able to access free audio tours and online guides listing museums, historical attractions, dining establishments, and recreational opportunities within walking distance of each stop at www.vivafallriver.com/trolley.

Outside of its regular route, the trolley will be available to rent for special events such as specialty tours, food tours, and bar crawls. Route details, upcoming events, fare schedules, rental applications and more will be available on the City’s website at www.fallriverma.gov/trolley.

Please contact the Department of Facilities Maintenance facilitiesmaintenance@fallriverma.gov or call 508-324-2226 for rental information.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: City trolley to hit the streets for the first time this weekend