I have been following the discussions about the Jolly Trolley and the city to create a circulating bus service. I think it is a terrible idea for two reasons. First, it is a poor business plan (for the city).
If this were a workable model, the Jolly Trolley would not need over $1,000/day subsidy from the city. A per fare subsidy would be better for the city; of course if no one uses the trolley, they would lose. A private transportation company ought to be able to price a model that works for them, with the market judging success or failure.
Does the city negotiate with any company other than their favored Jolly Trolley? I have talked with neighbors and out-of-town friends who come in the summer; none will pay to ride a trolley around town. The city is only 1-mile–square, so no one is generally more than a half a mile away from anywhere midtown.
Secondly, I live on the proposed route (Henlopen Avenue) and do not want the noise and extra traffic in front of my house. We suffered for a year while the outfall pipe was put in. After the resurfacing, everyone wants to ride on Henlopen. Traffic from the state park, Henlopen Acres, and North Shores all prefer Henlopen over the poorly maintained Columbia Avenue.
Every weekend a variety of races go from Grove Park, down Henlopen and off to wherever. Literally thousands of bicyclists use the street to go to and from the much-improved area trails. People walk themselves and their dogs up and down the street. And now the city wants to add a regular bus service in the midst of everything else, and at residents’ expense. Does anyone care about public safety or the residents’ quality of life? Really!
There is something in the air or the water in Sussex County. Our elected representatives either want to build more houses with inadequate roads and infrastructure, or more perceived amenities for visitors at the expense of the residents who elect them.
Robert A. Streimer
Rehoboth Beach
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