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Portage County's PARTA launches 'Polly the Trolley' bus in Kent as part of new service

The Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority plans to have three trolley buses in service this year, with four more coming in 2023-24.

KENT, Ohio — A new mode of transportation with a classic twist is up and running in Portage County.

On Friday in Kent, the Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority (PARTA) held a ribbon cutting introducing "Polly the Trolley," the first of a new series of trolley buses.

“We’re really excited to bring trolley buses to Portage County,” said PARTA General Manager Claudia Amrhein. “We expect the trolleys to attract new riders and enhance the transit experience for those who regularly use our service.”

PARTA says that initially, the trolley buses will operate Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings starting at 4:30 p.m. Riders can park at the Kent Central Gateway parking deck and use the trolley to access local restaurants, breweries, and other entertainment destinations where parking may be limited.  

Check out a map and route schedule for the Polly the Trolley Downtowner route below:

Each car parked at the deck will be entitled to one free day pass to ride the trolley. Additional single ride and day passes can be purchased in the transit center’s lobby. Single ride passes cost $1, and a day pass can be purchased for $2.

In a throwback to a previous era, PARTA says its new buses radiate nostalgic charm with everything from authentic trolley bells, to real wood paneled walls and ceilings. Yet, the buses also are air conditioned and propelled by low-emission compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel. 

Credit: Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority

PARTA plans to place three trolley buses into service this year and expects to take delivery of four more trolley buses in 2023-24.

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