Trolley service to run downtown on weekends
BY JASON ASHLEY WRIGHT World Scene Writer
Thursday, November 01, 2012
11/01/12 at 2:55 AM
Downtown's prime entertainment districts will have a new transportation option starting this weekend.
The Brady Arts District Business Association, along with Blue Dome and Deco district businesses, will introduce free trolley service starting Friday.
With a polite nod to Tulsa's oil-splashed glory days, when trolleys connected downtown to other parts of the city, the new trolley service - provided by Old Urban Trolley - will run every Friday and Saturday evening, from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., linking the Brady Arts, Blue Dome and Deco districts, as well as other points of interest downtown - including the Tulsa Performing Arts Center and the BOK Center.
"Downtown is becoming more and more of a destination," said Bob Fleischman, president of the Brady Arts District Business Association. People used to come almost strictly for business, but that's changing."
The idea for the trolley started with that organization. Businesses within the district were onboard with the idea, but interest grew even more when talk began of going beyond Brady to Blue Dome, then Deco.
The Tulsa Metro Chamber is a sponsor.
Benefits abound, Fleishman said.
"For one thing, it's fun," he said.
People may be inclined to just hop on the trolley and see where it goes.
Plus, it will allow theater patrons to park in the PAC, catch the trolley for dinner somewhere nearby, then return on the trolley in time for curtain call, he said - and, perhaps, even back on the trolley after a PAC production for dessert and back again.
When organizers approached them with the idea, "we were thrilled," said Chad Oliverson, marketing director for the Guthrie Green and Tulsa PAC Trust. "Tulsa is evolving, and transportation of this type is of increasing importance to all venues downtown," Oliverson said.
The complimentary trolley, which will loop approximately every 20 to 30 minutes, will allow visitors to park and ride to various restaurants, clubs, shops and performance venues.
The inaugural trip will depart from the Guthrie Green, 111 E. Brady St., at 5 p.m. Friday. For questions, email choyezatelier@yahoo.com
Original Print Headline: Trolley will start Friday
Jason Ashley Wright 918-581-8483
jason.wright@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
A trolley service will begin running in downtown Tulsa on Friday and Saturday evenings beginning this Friday. Courtesy
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