Metropolis Transit & DTS Talk Changes To 61 Trolley

Metropolis, BR. May 1st 2014.

One of Metropolis Transit's newest trolley cars on the 61 City Circle Line

Joint contracts with Metropolis Transit never seem to work out in their favor. Since the joint Boga IBOA contract in the 70s to the DeMott Tower Shuttle (since been discontinued) of the late 90s, most joint contract operations came to abrupt and disappointing ends but it is stopping the company to try again. Last year the 61 trolley returned to service after being shut down for a year during the repaving and rebuilding of Sandbar & Central Aves that the 61 trolley runs on. Metropolis Transit currently runs the 61 line with 30 minute headways outside of rush hour which are frankly ticking off the tourist who rely on the trolley to sight-see since the Deck Bus Company and Purple Lines went out of business in 2009. Today Metropolis Transit announced upgrades to both the 61 schedule and branding which will include splicing ownership of the line with DashTransit Service (DTS).

Siemens trolley passing FOSAL Park. 

Preliminary named "The Downtowner" the 61 trolley could either lose it's 61 name completely or be known as two separate loops that will operate just as the 61 does today but running on it's own fare system, rules, and appearance. The 61 trolley's headways will be improved as the service will no longer be operated by TWU 269 but instead will use contracted operators from DTS who will be thoroughly trained on the trolleys. Metropolis Transit said, it will be painted differently then a normal trolley, possibly using a combination of Metropolis's and DTS's schemes or an all-together new one. Fare will begin at a dollar, with transfer to other lines being charged a full $2 with the $1 fare. Service is set to begin Memorial Day. The Downtower name is subject to change.