New FAST and FREE Trolley Service Begins Friday, Dec. 19
By Amy Blaisdell
The City’s ultra-cool new trolley service begins on Friday, Dec. 19 and you’re invited to ride the BUZZ at a fun and festive launch party at 5 p.m. on the corner of Tahquitz Canyon Way and Palm Canyon Drive with Mayor Steve Pougnet, the Palm Springs City Council and a host of iconic city personalities, including legendary entertainers Jack Jones and Carol Channing along with local Bella Da Ball and a few other surprise celebrities as they christen four new trolleys and take them on an inaugural ride through the city. In addition, the first 30 riders will receive a free BUZZ T-shirt.
The new FAST and FREE trolley service, which is one of many important Measure J projects transforming Palm Springs, will run every Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. – 1 a.m. with stops along the route from just north of the Riviera Resort to as far south as Smoketree Lane — where the trolleys turn around and head back through downtown. The four trolleys will operate simultaneously to ensure passengers never have to wait more than 15 minutes while at the same time not having to worry about driving a car to enjoy the city.
“Welcome to the new Palm Springs,” says Mayor Steve Pougnet. “We’re a dynamic, thriving place; the premiere city in the Coachella Valley — and a buzzing city like ours (no pun intended) deserves the things any city expects — like a fast, easy transportation solution that connects our downtown with hotels and neighborhoods to the north and south. And so as our city celebrates a historic renaissance as one of the hippest, most happening resort destinations in Southern California and beyond — we bring you the BUZZ.”
In fact, the “buzz” about Palm Springs has reached heights never seen before and is spreading far and wide, according to Mary Jo Ginther, Director of the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism, who notes the city’s hotel transient occupancy tax continues to soar and visitors from all over the world are coming to the city in record numbers, which means the new BUZZ trolley system will be much appreciated.
“Who says you need a car to enjoy a weekend in Palm Springs?” Ginther says. “Totally not necessary! This city’s gone driving optional. Don’t feel like getting behind the wheel? Catch the BUZZ!”
Coachella Valley residents and tourists alike are sure to appreciate the convenience—hopping on and off wherever they please to shop, eat, and enjoy all the uniquely original special events and tourist attractions Palm Springs has to offer. In addition, a soon-to-be-announced loyalty program will reward frequent riders with all kinds of goodies at local restaurants, bars, and shops.
“So join the City of Palm Springs and catch the BUZZ,” says Pougnet. “When it comes to hip, happening and ultra-cool, Palm Springs truly is like no place else – and we’ve got the BUZZ to prove it.”
For more information about the BUZZ route, visit www.buzzps.com
