Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Oct. 30, 2024 – With the goal set more than two years ago to upgrade Jonesboro’s Economical Transportation System (JET), the first tangible asset in that effort arrived before dawn Monday in the form of a nostalgia- drenched shiny blue trolley bus, complete with wood interior, faux etched windows, and of course, a trolley bell.
“We realized it was time to begin replacing aging buses that were scheduled to be retired, “said Mayor Harold Copenhaver. “We also realized this was an opportunity to make our public transportation system more convenient and accessible, of course, but also an experience citizens and visitors would enjoy, choosing to ride the trolley even when they have access to other transportation,” he added.
JRN first reported on the new trollies in the beginning of October.
The City of Jonesboro currently has four more of the trolley buses on order, including two red ones. The low emissions hybrid engines are 7.3-liter V Ford Godzilla motors, completely ADA compliant with enough room for 26 passengers and an area for two wheelchairs. Among the numerous safety features are built in cameras.
The City Council approved the purchase of the new trolly buses using a $2 million grant from the Federal Department of Transportation which is designated specifically for low-emissions vehicles.
Additional grant awards will pay for bus stop shelters. Twenty new shelters are being added and the 27 current ones will be upgraded to the new standard.
JETs added a fourth route two weeks ago and a fifth route is coming in 2025 with the objective being less wait time and improved efficiency and convenience. JET currently provides more than 100,000 rides a year.
Mayor Copenhaver said, “JET trolley buses and the expanded stops and routes afford everyone of all ages the ability to get where they want to go…and, in style!”