Written by: Mikayla Coleman

In the late 1800s, a trolley routinely ran between the sister cities of Monmouth and Independence. In winter 2023, the cities will be reunited with the implementation of a new trolley system. 

Funded by a 3 million dollar grant from the American Rescue Plan, the Monmouth-Independence trolley is set to begin its pilot service in the upcoming weeks. After the pilot service is completed, which could take up to two years, a long-term operation plan will be developed to ensure the continuation of this resource for years to come. 

The trolley will be managed and operated by Cherriots — a familiar name to residents. The use of a previously and actively used public transit system in both cities will make for a smooth transition for the new novelty mode of transportation. 

The new trolley system is expected to meet demands for intercity transit that will serve both cities’ communities. This includes Western students, as stated on the City of Monmouth’s official website, 

“The service will improve the campus life experience for WOU students by providing students with options to travel to/from campus, access recreational and job opportunities, and broaden engagement with the community.”

There have been three trolleys ordered for the project and two trolleys will be used to provide service each day. The trolleys are hybrid, meaning they will run on both electricity and gas — maintaining considerably low emissions. The trolleys will be accessible for those who use wheelchairs and mobility aids, including ramps to enter and exit the vehicles. 

They will run every day, with services operating on holidays from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Regular service is expected to operate Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., with the hope of rides being accessible every 20 minutes. 

The main route will travel between Main St. in Monmouth all the way to Monmouth St. in Independence, using existing and newly-created Cherriots stops placed a quarter mile apart. 

From west to east, stops will be located at Jackson St. and Monmouth Ave, Warren and Main Street, Ecols Street, Atwater Street, Roth’s Market, Talmadge Road, 13th Street, 8th Street, 5th Street and “C” Street and Riverview Park.

To keep up with new developments, check out the City of Monmouth’s website at www.ci.monmouth.or.us for further updates. 

Contact the author at howleditor@wou.edu