Q & A with Williamsburg Trolleys’ Jamie Jackson, Deputy Executive Director WATA

with  Jamie Jackson Deputy Executive Director at Williamsburg Area Transport

The Trolley is a fun way to get around Williamsburg but maybe you have not tried it because you were not sure where to catch it, where it went, or how much it costs.  Then there are questions that you want to know the answers to before even thinking about bringing kids with you, such as do I need a car seat or can I bring my stroller? Jamie Jackson,  Deputy Executive Director at Williamsburg Area Transport (WATA) took a break from her busy day to answer our laundry list of questions so that we could share the following information with you.  Hopefully you will be inspired to take a ride on the Trolley in the near future.  It is being reviewed in December and will remain part of Williamsburg based on demand, so if you want it to stay please take a ride.  It is well air-conditioned, kids love it and you cannot beat the route if you want to stroll and shop around Williamsburg.

1. Is there a minimum age for riding the Trolley? No minimum age

 2. Do I need to bring a car seat? No

 3. Is there room to bring my stroller? Yes

 4. Is it air-conditioned? Yes

 5. How many Trolleys are there?  What would be my longest wait time? We operate 1 Trolley at a time, unless it’s an identified special event by WATA.  Your wait time is 30 minutes in between routes.  Please use our map to see the time the trolley stops at your location.  Or check the Trolley sign for departure times.

 6.  Is there a schedule so I know when it will arrive at each stop?  Yes.  Please go to our website www.gowata.org to view the trolley map/schedule)

 7.  What does it cost?  Children 12 and under accompanied by paying adult Free, Middle and high school students with student ID and residing in James City County, the City of Williamsburg and York County $0.50, Round-trip fare (ages 13-59) $1.00, Persons 60 and over $0.50,  Persons with disabilities (with Medicare card) $0.50, William & Mary and Thomas Nelson college ID holdersFree* *prepaid. Exact fare only. Trolley operators do not carry change or currency Prices are also listed on brochure,

8.  Can I bring my bike?  Yes, definitely

9.  What is the route?  Click Here   to view route

10.  Can I just get on and ride it in a round trip without getting off with my kids? Yes.  It’s a good day activity for the kids, there is a lot to see while riding on the trolley.

11.  Is the Trolley here to stay or is it a temporary program?  Based on demand, the Trolley will be reviewed again in December of 2013.

12. Is it free to all college kids or just WM students? W&M and TNCC

13. What are its hours of operation? The Trolley operates seven days a week and runs on the half-hour with extended weekend hours. Monday – Thursday 12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Friday 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. (Sat.) Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m. (Sun.) Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. We are closed: New Year’s Day (January 1) Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November) Christmas Day (December 25) – click here to see brochure

14. If I lose something on the Trolley who do I call? Please call our main number at 757.220.5493.  Please let them know the item and what time you believe you lost it.

15.  Is food allowed on the Trolley? No food or drink.  We want to keep our trolley clean for the next guest that rides.

16.  Does it take cash or tokens?   Cash.

17.  What is the main purpose of the Trolley?  Is it for tourists, the college or just to link the community in a unique way?  The trolley is for everyone, and it’s a very unique way to ride around Williamsburg.

 18. Is it handicap accessible? Yes.

19.  I have heard that the driver also acts as tour guide, is that true or just if you have an extra friendly driver?  All of our drivers are able to provide information regarding the route and key features of the area.

 20. Are animals allowed on the Trolley? No.

 21.  Is there a Trolley sign at the stop so I know the Trolley picks up or is there just a bus sign?  Yes, there is a trolley sign, with a picture of the trolley.

Thank you to Jamie Jackson and WATA for this info and for running this unique way to cruise around Williamsburg.   Hop on it and enjoy Williamsburg!