Wilmington -- On Monday, December 2, 2002, in Rodney Square, Department of Transportation Secretary Nathan Hayward III, Lt. Governor John Carney, Wilmington Mayor James M. Baker, and Delaware Transit Corporation Executive Director Ray Miller, proudly introduced a new Trolley for the Downtown Route 32. The Wilmington Trolley is a rubber-tired replica design vehicle intended to recreate the visual sensation of turn-of-the-century streetcar transportation with modern conveniences.

The new Wilmington Trolley, which will replace the regular busses, is an attractive 31-1/2 ft. long vehicle finished in shades of blue and gold and accented with wood grain paneling. The Trolley will be able to seat up to 28 passengers with additional room for as many as 21 standing riders and two ADA wheelchair accessible seats. The three new Trolleys that will operate on the route will only cost 25 cents per trip and will carry passengers to eating, shopping, and work destinations along all the stops between Rodney Square and the Riverfront.

Secretary Hayward stated, "DelDOT is very excited to roll-out this unique new Trolley for the transit riders of the City Circuit route. I hope that the antique styling and modern conveniences of the Trolley improve the route's ridership and make all downtown residents pleased to see the Trolley motoring between the Riverfront and Rodney Square."

"As people continue to discover the charm and beauty of Downtown Wilmington and the Riverfront, the new Wilmington Trolley is an example of the energy and creativity that are contributing to a more enjoyable and entertaining City," Mayor Baker said today. "The novelty of the Wilmington Trolley, which is actually an important inner-City transportation service, adds yet another attractive feature to an already beautiful City."

Also announced at the event was the cooperative arrangement between DART First State and more than 40 downtown business partners to promote the Route 32 Trolley. The partners will distribute a new, cleverly designed, multi-fold Z-Pocket Map featuring a downtown Wilmington map and city guide. The map will fit easily in a pocket or purse. DART hopes the Z-Pocket Map will encourage office workers, tourists and other visitors to get out and about by using public transit.

Route 32 Schedule
Trolley Brochure

Trolley Fact Sheet

Chance American Heritage Streetcar - Model AH-28
Manufactured by Chance Coach - Wichita, Kansas
Cost per bus - $312,751
Units Purchased - 3

• Rubber-tired trolley replica design to re-create the look and feel of an authentic, turn-of-the-twentieth-century streetcar for passenger appeal, coupled with state of the art components designed for low maintenance and operating cost.
• Length 31 ft. 6 in.; width 102 in.
• Up to twenty-eight (28) seated passengers, two (2) ADA-compliant wheelchair securement locations and up to twenty-one (21) standees. Passenger seats are manufactured from Philippine mahogany.
• Twelve (12) year service life design
• Fully enclosed coach with an extra capacity air-conditioning and heating system for year round passenger comfort.
• Heavy-duty insulation keeps the temperature constant and road noise to a minimum.
• Air-ride suspension with four air springs per axle for smooth ride.
• Leather hand straps add a finishing touch of quality and authenticity.
• Large passenger windows, which provide an airy atmosphere and allow for maximum view. Windows have operable transoms for increased ventilation.
• Windows and exterior side panels are trimmed in Philippine mahogany.
• Front door wheelchair lift with bus kneeling feature to accommodate irregular curb heights and passenger boarding comfort.
• Spiraled brass interior passenger assist handrails.
• Operator's compartment features an ergonomically designed console. The steering column offers eight adjustable height settings and tilts to eight steering positions.
• State-of-the-art Cummins ISB Turbocharged engine and Allison B300 automatic transmission