GAINESVILLE, TX--The City of Gainesville is providing area residents with some fun, free transportation. The Gainesville trolley has been so successful, they're now adding to their fleet.

The first trolley was introduced a year-and-a-half ago as part of the tourism department in order to bring residents and visitors to certain tourist attractions around town. It makes stops at Downtown Square, The Gainesville Factory Shops and the Frank Buck Zoo, among others.
It's become so popular, the city recently began work on their second trolley, which should be fully refurbished come spring time.
The newest trolley is already up and running, but a couple modifications are still in the works.

"It's had some mechanical repairs, and now we're going to do some cosmetic things to it, to get it all spruced up and ready for spring," Gainesville Area Chamber Director, John Broyles, said.

They plan to paint the new trolley, and keep the old one as back-up. Broyles said both trolleys have been wonderful novelty items to bring tourists and students into the city.

"It covers all of the community as far as shopping and visitors and tourist attractions, but it also makes a stop at the North Central Texas College campus for students who like to come into town and do a little shopping themselves."

Rides are free to destinations around town, including the Frank Buck Zoo.

"It's worked out really well, people have really enjoyed it," Zoo Director, Susan Kleven, said.

In addition to tourists, business travelers have also taken advantage of the street cars.

"We actually hosted the Texas Aquarium and Zoo educators here in Gainesville and we had aquarium and zoo educators from all over the state. And they got around town to see our sites, the zoo and shopping and all that good stuff, via the trolley and that was a big success," according to Kleven.

When seated, there are 27 available spots on the new trolley, for those willing to stand, it can accommodate up to 33.

Broyles says, while the first trolley was purchased for a steal at only $5,000, their most recent addition came at a price tag of $60,000. But, with a full list of events on the calendar, he says they'll definitely put it to good use.

If you're interested in taking a ride on the Gainesville Trolley, rides are offered from 11am-7pm Fridays and Saturdays, and Sundays from 11-6pm. It's also available for special events, and weddings.