Trolley rolls into Independence and Monmouth

Dec 08, 2023

A well-attended ribbon-cutting event marked the official start of the MI Trolley transit system and featured speeches from local elected officials and Cherriots, and live music from a Western Oregon University band. More than 100 people gathered to view the glossy red, wheelchair-accessible, 14-seat bus. Monmouth Mayor Cec Koontz and State Rep. Paul Evans greeted passengers for the inaugural ride.

"Excitement has been building and we are thrilled to see our sweet little trolley roll through town," shared Monmouth Mayor Cec Koontz. "We are so fortunate to be able to offer reliable transportation for residents and youth and a fun experience for all visitors to MI Town."

The ribbon cutting, which was really a sash that dropped as the trolley drove past, was celebrated with bluegrass music by the Monmouth-based musicians of the Tuesday Jug Band and cheered by staff from Cherriots, who were there to drive the bus and provide oversight. State Sen. Deb Patterson and Independence Mayor John McArdle also were on hand to welcome the new trolley officially to the two towns.

"I am delighted that the trolley will more closely unite the communities of Independence and Monmouth," said McArdle. "It will be a great addition to our already thriving cities and will enhance the vibrancy of the entire region."

In 2022, Monmouth and Independence received funding to implement trolley services between the two communities. State representatives provided $3M in American Rescue Plan (ARPA) grant funds through the state budget to support a local transit service that links downtown Independence, downtown Monmouth, and the Western Oregon University (WOU) campus.

The MI Trolley will run every 15 minutes from 21 designated stops from Independence to Monmouth on Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. - 9 p.m., and Sunday and holidays from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. The trolley seats 14 seated passengers, one wheelchair passenger, and a fold-down seat for two more passengers if no wheelchair is present. A downloadable mobile application shows the trolley's location in real-time, allowing passengers to find the trolley's current route.

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