DUBUQUE TROLLEY (THE)

DUBUQUE TROLLEY (THE). Dubuque Trolley opened for business in 1985, the product of nine local investors who brought the two cars to Dubuque. Each of the vehicles was a gas-powered replica of the old-fashioned trolley cars of San Francisco. The goal of 1986 was to increase the ridership from 26,000 to as many as 50,000 riders.

In 1986 the 48-passenger vehicles began trips to the DUBUQUE GREYHOUND PARK AND CASINO from six Dubuque motels and the TOWN CLOCK PLAZA. Fares were $1 from the Town Clock and $2 from the motels. Regular daytime service on two routes ran from May 17th through October 31st. In 1986 connections were added at KENNEDY MALL and East Dubuque. In 1986 there were no stops along the route. In 1986 stops were added at spots: TOWN CLOCK, DUBUQUE STAR BREWING COMPANY, SHOT TOWER, CABLE CAR SQUARE, Woodward Riverboat Museum, ICE HARBOR EMPORIUM, Lower Main Street, STOUT HOUSE, RYAN HOUSE, and FARMERS' MARKET. Riders buying a $2 ticket could get on and off at any site for one day. Motel service, available on an on-call basis, in 1986 would be more consistent with six rides daily. The trolley was also available for charter at $95 per hours or $180 for two hours. (1)

In 2012 the Trolley was a feature of a tour celebrating DUBUQUE BANK AND TRUST COMPANY becoming the third local business to qualify for the Peal Project green business certification. (2)

The 1993 Dubuque City Directory listed 98 E. 4th St.

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Source:

1. Kirchen, Rich, "Trolley's Ready to Roll," Telegraph Herald, April 7, 1986, p. 9

2. "DBT Completes Green Certification," Telegraph Herald, April 16, 2012, p. 3