Is Atlantic City Council holding back the popular Boardwalk trams? That’s what tram owner/operator Tim Boland wants to know. Boland wants the city to update it’s antiquated pricing ordinances before he’s forced to cut back on tram service.
Boland’s ‘B&B Parking’ pays Atlantic City $126,000 annually for the rights to run the trams along the Boardwalk. Currently, a popular tram ride costs a mere $2 for a one-way trip and only $5 bucks for an all-day pass. City Council determined those rules.
What does Tim Boland and B&B want?
- Leverage trams in order to cover his monthly expenses.
- Sell & place advertisements on trams (like rolling chairs, Jitneys, cabs already do)
- Have ability to modify pricing based on demand
As reported in the Press of Atlantic City, Dale Finch; Director of Licensing and Inspection said: “We knew they (pricing limits) were antiquated,” he said of the city’s pricing limits. He personally thinks they should be raised. Councilman Rizwan Malik also personally favors an updated pricing ordinance.
To address these issues, Dale Finch and Atlantic City’s licensing and inspection department will host a public transportation forum on Sept. 10. in City Council chambers. The meeting is tentatively scheduled for 2 p. Mayor Don Guardian and the city’s transportation consultant will attend the meeting.
Finch said the meeting will solicit a new round of feedback on the rules governing the city’s forms of ground transportation, including jitneys, trams, rolling chairs, limousines, and taxis. Multiple proposals regarding transportation ordinance changes have been considered by City Council over the past year. So far, none have become law.
NOTE: 2nd place tram bidder; JJJN, wanted to charge at least $3 a ride
