ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The St. Petersburg Looper Trolley is becoming a moving landmark in downtown St. Petersburg.
The service operated for almost 22 years. Riders are mostly visitors, but it could change soon.
The Looper Group, Inc., the private company that owns the Looper Trolley, is planning to expand its routes and times in October to accommodate more downtown residents.
Right now, the entire route takes about 30 minutes. It goes down Beach Drive, onto 2nd Avenue North past the Sundial St. Pete, onto 2nd Street towards Publix, then over towards the Al Lang Stadium and the Dali Museum.
During the ride, the driver points out major attractions, art galleries, restaurants and historical information.
“It’s a themed transportation service. We call it ‘transportainment’,” said Eric Carlson, Transportation Director for St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership. “The drivers each have their own unique personalities, and when they talk about downtown, some will talk about other things that others won't.”
The Looper Trolley runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and service is every 15 minutes. The last 30-minute trip leaves the Beach Drive Trolley Station at 4:30 p.m.
On Friday and Saturday, there is evening service, which runs from 5 p.m. until midnight. The service is every 20 minutes. The last 20-minute trip leaves the Beach Drive Trolley Station at 11:40 p.m.
There are 15 stops where you can get picked up or dropped off. There is also a free-fare zone. Click or tap here for the full schedule.
The price is 50 cents each time riders board, 25 cents for seniors and children ride free.
The Central Avenue Trolley is another option to get around St. Petersburg. This service is run by Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority. The trolley takes riders between downtown and Pass-a-Grille Beach.
The Central Avenue Trolley is a bus with a regular route and stops. It takes about an hour from the Beach Drive Trolley Station to Pass-a-Grille Beach. It costs $2.25 one way for riders to take this entire route.
This service is useful for people who want to avoid beach or downtown parking fees. It’s also useful for those who don’t have a car, or to avoid drinking and driving.
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