Southington Trolley Service Mulled For Downtown Areas

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Southington will never be confused with San Francisco, but local leaders are mulling the possibility of putting in a San Francisco-like feature — a trolley — in town.

Folks can relax, however, as local roadways will not be torn up and tracks will not be installed.

Rather, the Southington Economic Development STRIKE Committee and Southington Town Counci have discussed over the summer a plan for a bus, made to look like a classic trolley car, to transport guests from downtown Southington spots to downtown Plantsville spots in town.

Such an idea was first floated by Southington Councilman Jack Perry, a Democrat who also sits on the STRIKE committee, July 27 at the last STRIKE meeting.

Perry said his idea would have the "trolley" connect Southington's two major downtown area as well as feature stops at various local historical sites, destinations, etc.

He said he hoped such a transportation feature could be sponsored by local businesses and, possibly, operate during the warm weather months.

Councilman Michael Del Santo, a Republican who chairs the STRIKE committee, said the idea could be looked into.

Del Santo said a financially self-sustainable trolley enterprise would be best if one is used, with Republican STRIKE committee member Michael Riccio saying he didn't want the town subsidizing such an operation.

Riccio said, one option, might be renting a bus with sponsors paying for it.

As a result, the STRIKE committee is soliciting ideas and information about a Southington trolley.

As part of Del Santo's regular report to the full council Aug. 14, more discussions on a Southington trolley took place, with Perry offering more aspects of his trolley idea.

"We did discuss with Councilman Perry his trolley idea," Del Santo said.

Perry said he has met with several council members and STRIKE committee members about this possibility.

According to Perry, such a service would benefit local businesses in both downtowns, adding he's seen many "mom-and-pop" shots close over the years.

"When you're watching them close, what can we do for them as leaders?" Perry said last week.

Perry claimed such an endeavor, with Southington Chamber of Commerce help, could be a boon to businesses, something he said he's seen in other communities.

Plus, Perry said, there are environmentally friendly trolley buses that run on batteries or other, non-combustible fuels, an initiative that might, even, qualify for federal funding.

According to Perry, an unofficial survey of only 21 residents he's spoken to has revealed interest in the idea.

Of course, he said, more information should be gathered, including further cost analysis and public opinion.

But, he said, bus trolleys could, for example, bring folks from local hotels to area restaurants and other businesses.

Perry said he's seen trolley bus service work in other towns. "I've been to another town with a bus trolley and it was an attraction," he said.

"Obviously, Southington is the best town. I love our town. We're trying to do something to help the downtown area.

"I just feel it would be a good tool for our downtown areas and it could be an attraction for our town," Perry continued.

For the minutes of the July 27 Southington Economic Development STRIKE Committee, click on this link.

For the minutes of the Aug. 14 Southington Town Council meeting, click on this link.