Trolley service launches in downtown Cedar Rapids

CEDAR RAPIDS — A new service in Cedar Rapids will provide trolley transportation to points throughout downtown this holiday season and into the new year.

The Downtown District announced Wednesday it is launching a pilot project to test the feasibility of a trolley system whose goal is “improving connectivity and convenience for residents and visitors” to the downtown district.

The trolleys will operate on Fridays and Saturdays, from 5 to 11 p.m. each day. The rides launch Friday, Dec. 6, and last through Jan. 31.

The route will begin and end at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, showcasing holiday lights along the way. It will have multiple stops throughout the downtown, NewBo and Czech Village, including the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, NewBo City Market, and the Pickle Palace and Big Grove Brewery at the First and First West site.

Trolleys will run every 15 minutes.

Downtown Cedar Rapids trolley

The Downtown District in Cedar Rapids is launching a pilot trolley program that will provide transportation to stops throughout downtown Cedar Rapids, NewBo and Czech Village. It launches Dec. 6 and will run through Jan. 31. The trolley will operate on Fridays and Saturdays, 5-11 p.m., running every 15 minutes.

Source: The Downtown District

“This trolley pilot is an exciting new way to experience everything downtown Cedar Rapids has to offer,” Caleb Knutson, executive director of Downtown Cedar Rapids, said in a news release.

“Whether you’re enjoying the holiday lights, exploring the districts, or visiting our local establishments, the trolley makes it easier than ever to connect with the heart of our city. ”

The Downtown Vision Plan, which was adopted by the Cedar Rapids City Council last year and provides a five-year vision to revitalize downtown, suggests expanding accessibility of multiple modes of transportation downtown, and makes mention of a trolley.

The trolley pilot is made possible through sponsorship by the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance and Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust.

More information is at downtowncr.org/downtown-trolley.