Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation Tourism Trolleys topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Concord council considers rules for trolley-style party vehicles; debate over posted fares and hours
Summary
City staff presented an ordinance to regulate state-registered “trolley/bar bridal” vehicles operating on streets with 35 mph speed limits. Council debated whether fares must be posted on vehicles and whether hours for Friday and Saturday should extend to 11 p.m.
City of Concord staff presented an ordinance amendment to Chapter 58 to regulate trolley-style party vehicles that are registered and inspected by the state and permitted to operate on streets with speed limits of 35 mph or less. The ordinance would set local rules on operation, hours and consumer protections.
Fred, a planning department staff member, told council the draft rules were compiled from other jurisdictions and would establish procedures “to make sure that these vehicles are operating in a safe and respectful manner.” He said one interested operator, Mr. Strauminger, has reviewed the draft and offered two requested changes: removing a requirement that fares be posted on the vehicle, and extending allowable operating hours on Friday and Saturday nights to 11 p.m.
Councilmembers discussed both items. One member said posting prices is customary to protect consumers and compared the vehicles to taxicabs, where posted fares prevent surprise charges. Another councillor noted that some trolley operations elsewhere, including Charleston, rely on prearranged, prepaid reservations and do not post fares. Council also debated whether changes should be tailored only to the one known operator or written to cover future providers who might pick up passengers along a route.
On hours, several members said they had no objection to extending Friday and Saturday operating hours to 11 p.m.; one councilmember moved to approve the ordinance with the proposed extension. The transcript does not record a final vote or adoption during this meeting.
Council members and staff noted practical next steps: if additional operators begin picking up passengers along routes, the ordinance may need future revision. Staff indicated they had circulated the draft to relevant departments and incorporated departmental comments.
The ordinance as drafted would continue to require state registration and inspection for the vehicles and would rely on posted signage and signs erected by the city for enforceability.
