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EDC authorizes dedicated bank account for Bessie Trolley online booking (peak.com) amid concerns about past losses
Summary
The EDC approved opening a dedicated bank account to link with peak.com/Stripe for online reservations for the Bessie Trolley Tour; staff noted the trolley has operated at a loss in recent years because of repair costs and recommended online scheduling fees be passed to consumers.
The River City EDC voted Wednesday to authorize finance staff to open a dedicated bank account to support online reservation and payment processing for the Bessie Trolley Tour using peak.com and Stripe.
Staff said the trolley program has operated at a loss in recent years after a series of repairs. Packet figures show revenues around $3,432.02 year-to-date with significant repair expenses, including hydraulic-lift and air-conditioning repairs. "The expenses exceeded our revenues," a staff member said, and staff recommended a separate bank account so trolley revenues and expenses do not commingle with general EDC funds.
EDC staff explained that linking a dedicated bank account to the online reservation system will improve security, simplify reconciliation, and allow the trolley to accept online bookings during high‑demand periods such as the winter-tourist season. Staff recommended that processing fees for online purchases be passed to the consumer; the processing fee discussed in the meeting was described as "a dollar and something." Staff also noted existing discounts (students and veterans ride for free) and the current minimum group size of four riders, which covers the tour guide fee.
Board members discussed the program’s mission as an attraction that may not be profit‑making but that generates indirect local economic benefits through tourism. The motion to open a dedicated bank account for peak.com/Stripe was approved by voice vote. Staff will proceed to establish the account and coordinate the online reservation setup; the board asked staff to evaluate pricing and promotion to increase ridership and reduce net losses.
