Ladysmith's new public transit seems to be a hit with riders and pedestrians alike.
Riders have been hoping on the trolley since August of 2009, and using to get from one end of town to the other.
The trolley is ride by donation and the money is collected in a large clear box by the stairs. The atmosphere inside the wood trolley is friendly, and lacks the impersonal touch of public transit in major cities. The trolley blends the old a new — there is air condition, but the seats are made of wood. Pulling on the stop cord makes a bell ring.
The popular stops are in the downtown core like at the Wigwam and 49th Parallel and Coronation Mall.
The trolley makes some stops at high traffic locations, like the Hillside Medical Centre, the library, Transfer Beach and event Ladysmith Secondary School.
Safety on the trolley is important to consider as well. It's not a good idea to stand up and walk around when the bus is moving, in case the driver has to slam on the brakes because something darts in front of the bus.
Proper etiquette dictates those getting off the trolley go first, and then those coming on the trolley step on.
Be patient if the trolley isn't running on time. It takes about eight minutes to load and off load a mobility aid (like a wheelchair) onto the bus. But it's accessible and great for families.
Although there are designated trolley stops in Ladysmith (marked with signs), trolley drivers can, in some situations, be flexible where people are dropped off if someone has a specific need.
For an up to date schedule, see www.ladysmithtrolley.com.