City of San Clemente May Extend Free Trolley Through New Year

SAN CLEMENTE, CA — Do you need some help getting around San Clemente for the holidays? The city may decide to extend San Clemente's free trolley service into Jan. 2, 2022. The possibility will be discussed at San Clemente's city council meeting Tuesday, as councilmembers also consider whether or not to allow outdoor dining in the Pier Bowl private parking lots.

According to the staff report, the council may decide to extend the local emergency order regarding economic recovery from COVID-19 to Dec. 31 and allow limited extensions for restaurant seating in the Pier Bowl parking lots. Councilmembers will also discuss extending current trolley service operations until Jan. 2.

The San Clemente Trolley is a free public transportation service typically running from Memorial Day weekend through the last Sunday in September. According to the city's website, the system is made up of two routes: a Downtown Red Line and a North San Clemente Blue Line.

The staff report stated that extending the trolley's services through New Years Day would promote holiday shopping and activities in the downtown area. Ridership data will continue to be collected, which the city said could support increased grant fund requests made to OCTA to expand trolley season.

If the city moves forward with adopting the resolution, the total cost for extending trolley services comes out to $4,138.30, which could be covered by the city's unassigned fund balance. The city could also collect additional month's fees if they permit an expansion of outdoor dining in the Pier Bowl parking lots.

San Clemente City Council meets Tuesday at 6 p.m. at 100 N. Calle Seville.