SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) -- After struggling with financial challenges for years, the colorful trolley service in downtown Sioux Falls has ended.
Brienne Maner with Downtown Sioux Falls Incorporated says the trolley simply isn't earning its keep.
"Fare box revenue had covered between 16 and 19 percent of the operating costs for the past few years." and Maner says ridership has also been going down over the years.
It's not a pleasant decision but had to be made.
“The trolley is such a beloved part of downtown Sioux Falls, which made this decision difficult " explains DTSF President Joe Batcheller, "When DTSF has to reinvent the funding model each year for the trolley, and still deliver valuable programs and services for our downtown stakeholders, something had to give.”
All is not lost. Maner says if there is somebody out in the private sector who has a vision for running a trolley service, please give the City of Sioux Falls a call. She says, perhaps, the iconic trolleys themselves, can be part of the re-birth.
The trolley service used to run from Memorial Day through Labor Day - $1 for an all-day pass.
