Cape Elementary Student Names the Trolley

CAPE MAY – Cape May Elementary School student Jacob Hickman is now the proud owner of a new bicycle after submitting the winning entry in a name the trolley contest.
The trolley that operates from the school’s parking lot with stops around town including Beach Avenue and the Washington Street Mall is now called “The Wave.” Hickman’s name for the trolley was picked from 100 entries from the Cape May school and Star of the Sea School, according to Bob Steenrod, a member of the city’s Tourism Commission.
The slogan “Catch the Wave,” will be used to describe the shuttle service operated by Great American Trolley Company. Swain’s Hardware donated the Huffy multi-speed bike including a helmet and lock. Councilwoman Terri Swain, who is a member of the Tourism Commission, presented the bike to Hickman along with Steenrod.
The contest was joint effort of the two schools, tourism commission and Kiwanis Club of Cape May and its K-Kids Program. Five runner-ups received gifts certificates from MAC.
The trolley begins service from the school parking lot on July 2 and runs through Sept. 5 and it will operate from noon to 11 p.m. Steenrod said the trolley is free for those boarding at the school lot and at participating motels. The fare for those boarding the trolley elsewhere in the city is $1.
Steenrod said the price is the same as feeding a parking meter for one hour. He said finding a parking space is the number one problem for visitors which can be solved by parking at the school and using the trolley.
About 18,000 folks rode the trolley last year. Steenrod said he is hoping for a 20 percent increase this year. The trolley is air conditioned, something that may be welcome in this steamy summer.
To find out where the trolley is located at any moment in Cape May, riders can call 846-4057. The trolley will not serve the marina district this year. Riders can also get their hand stamped at participating merchants for a free return ride on the trolley.
Swain said ads and a video will play on the trolley highlighting free events in the city including Movies on the Beach and concerts in Rotary Park.
The trolley is a project of the City of Cape May which provided major funding, the Washington Street Mall Business Improvement District, Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May and participating hotels/motels, he said.
Hickman and the runner-ups were treated to a ride on the sparkling white trolley that features a bell that sounds like San Francisco’s cable cars.