Explore Cocoa Beach with the Brand New Cocoa Beach Trolley.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

Cleverly disguised as the Route 9 Space Coast Area Transportation bus for Cocoa Beach, is the local Cocoa Beach Trolley. The new trolley system is a comeback after Space Coast Area Transportation retired the older Route 9 trolley.

The new system will utilize two brand new 35-foot beach trolleys that will service the Route 9 line in an alternating 'figure 8' cycle, allowing the trolleys to reach a stop every 30-minutes. The trolley service is a nice tie-in with the city's view as being an affordable family vacation destination.

Both trolleys and all buses are wheelchair lift-equipped and can accommodate bikes at no additional charge.

Trolley service runs Monday through Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Sunday’s 7:45 a.m. to 5:40 p.m. For maps and schedules, log on to 321Transit.com or call the RideLine at 321-635-7815.

There is a $1.50 fare, and a .75 discounted fare for the disabled, veterans, seniors, and students. Space Coast Area Transportation is looking into contactless fare options. A day pass option is being considered but currently, a 30-day bus pass, along with a 10-ride punch card is offered.

The Trolley Route currently services the south side of Port Canaveral but does not provide service to the north side of the port, closer to the Cruise terminals, and runs down to 13th St. in Cocoa Beach.

“Whether you're a visitor or a local, getting to the beach, shopping, dining, and more is always more fun on the Beach Trolley! Bring your surfboard and take your family to the beach, or you can shop till you drop and sit back and enjoy the ride home. You can dine at some of the Space Coast's best beachside eateries no matter what your budget! Explore the nightlife and don't worry about driving or parking. On Route 9, From 6 AM to 11 PM, the beach trolley isn't just about the destination! Check out 321Transit.com for maps and schedules or download the 321 Transit app,” said Scott Nelson, Director of Space Coast Area Transportation.

Space Coast Area Transportation has strict cleaning procedures in place to ensure the safety of its employees and riders. A non-toxic sanitation fogger is used to disinfect the inside of the buses and trolleys that kills germs for up to 10 days. Plexiglass dividers have been installed by the driver, and face masks are being encouraged to be worn while riding the transportation service. For those who don’t have a face covering, one will be provided.

October 30th, the city of Cocoa Beach has a kick-off ceremony planned for the two Route 9 trolleys, that will lead into a 10-day event ‘The 10 Days of Trolley Kick-off’.

The ceremony will be held at the City of Cocoa Beach City Hall. RSVP is required.

The ’10 Days of Trolley Kick-off’ is scheduled for November 1-10 and will allow Space Coast Area Transportation to work with pre-selected local businesses at each step of the route.

Space Coast Area Transportation will share video and picture posts on their social media pages (@321Transit) showcasing a different business every day, as people interact with the trolleys.

Those businesses are:

-Sandbar Sports Grill

-Ron Jon Surf Shop

-Beachside Hotel & Suites

-Marriott/Hampton

-Cocoa Beach Library

-Coconuts/Fat Kahunas/Minuteman Landing

-Golf N Gator

-Dinosaur Store

-Wildlife Watersports

-Exploration Tower in Port Canaveral

-Graham’s Beachside Restaurant

-Joanne’s Beachside Café.

“With the retirement of the old trolleys a few years ago, I feel like I am fulfilling dreams by returning the Trolleys,” Nelson said in an interview. “Another Trolley is ordered and scheduled for release in July of 2021 to service Route 26 with stops from 192 and A1A to 13th St.”

The new Cocoa Beach Trolley rolls out on November 1st.