During a recent city council meeting, discussions centered on a revised trolley proposal aimed at improving transportation on Marco Island. The proposal, which has evolved from earlier iterations, seeks to address misinformation circulating on social media regarding its operations.

The current plan involves two trolleys that will remain on the island throughout the day, rather than transporting passengers back and forth from off-island locations. The first trolley is scheduled to arrive at 9:00 a.m. and will operate until 7:00 p.m., while a second trolley will run from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Each trolley can accommodate up to 50 passengers, with the expectation that many will be visitors engaging in activities such as dining, shopping, and sightseeing.

The proposal emerged from community feedback, particularly addressing concerns about traffic congestion and parking issues. The aim is to encourage residents and visitors to utilize the trolley service instead of personal vehicles, thereby reducing the number of cars on the road.

Financially, the initiative is designed to avoid tax increases. The council discussed reallocating funds from a previous median improvement grant, which had leftover funds due to a lost state grant. The trolley service is expected to be funded through these existing reserves rather than new taxes.

Additionally, negotiations with Collier Area Transit have resulted in a reduced hourly rate for the trolley service, now set at $116 per hour, down from $122. The proposal emphasizes minimizing wait times for passengers to enhance the overall experience and encourage usage.

As the council continues to refine the trolley plan, they aim to ensure it meets the needs of the community while alleviating transportation challenges on the island.