July 23, 2013
Trolley’s Offer Daily Service during Saratoga 150 Season
(Albany, NY) - The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) announced today that, in celebration of Saratoga 150; 150 years of Saratoga Racecourse operations, Friday August 2, 2013 will be Free Ride Day on the Historic Summer Trolleys.
Saratoga trolley service (Route #875) operates Monday through Sunday from 12:00pm – 8:00pm serving Saratoga Springs landmarks including Saratoga Race Course, City Hall, Congress Park, downtown’s unique shops and restaurants as well as the Gideon Putnam Hotel, the Roosevelt baths, the Dance Museum, along with the Saratoga Casino and Raceway. The standard $1.50 fare will be waived for the entire day on August 2nd.
“CDTA remains a key part of historic Saratoga Springs, working to meet the unique needs of this world class city by providing services to hundreds of thousands of visitors annually,” said CDTA Chairman David Stackrow. “The Free Ride Day grants us the opportunity to support the Saratoga 150 community celebration while reducing congestion and introducing service to new riders.”
The nostalgic trolley replica design features wooden slatted seats with cast iron feet, etched windows and brass poles, but is equipped with padded seats and air conditioning. CDTA operators are built-in tour guides regularly pointing out historic landmarks along the route.
"CDTA again steps up and partners with the City to help promote the success of our community events", said Saratoga Springs Mayor Scott Johnson. "This generous offer will certainly contribute to the maximum enjoyment of this historic resurrection of the Floral Fete".
Saratoga 150 hosts an entire roster of summertime events. On August 2nd, Saratoga 150 will feature the “Floral Fete Promenade and Ice Cream Social” to begin at 7:30pm on the corner of North Broadway and Route 50 and continue down Broadway to Congress Park where attendees can enjoy many free activities including free carousel rides and ice cream.
"We are pleased that CDTA is donating this service to Saratoga 150 on the day of the Floral Fete and Ice Cream Social,” said Floral Fete Co-Chair Marlene Okby. “This event could not have happened without the generous support of all of Saratoga, from Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson to a myriad of local businesses. This kind gesture from CDTA illustrates this type of community spirit, and we are all most grateful."
CDTA Saratoga trolley service began in 1996 at 50 cents per ride. The service operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day each year serving tourists, residents and workers through the summer season making stops at popular Saratoga hot spots and providing affordable and fun tours through the historic district.
“CDTA has been instrumental in serving visitors and the community for over 15 years and we are happy to partner with them on the Trolley,” said Annamaria Bellantoni, Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Tourism. “We hope everyone will come out and enjoy the Floral Fete and Ice Cream Social on August 2 as part of the Saratoga 150 celebration. “Ride Free Day” will provide ease of transportation for riders and demonstrates CDTA’s commitment to the community.”
This year CDTA partnered with Live Nation to provide service for select Saratoga Performing Arts Center concerts. For regular $1.50 fare, concert goers can take the trolley between Congress Park and SPAC after the concert, helping to ease traffic flow,and parking issues. The service is scheduled to operate on the following dates/concerts:
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August 11: Jason Aldean
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August 25: Luke Bryan
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August 30: John Mayer
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August 31: Zac Brown
Anyone needing more information on the Saratoga Visitors Trolley or CDTA services can visit www.cdta.org or contact CDTA’s Customer Service Center at (518) 482-8822. Information Customer Service Representatives are on duty 6am-7pm weekdays and 8am-6pm Saturdays, and 8-5pm on Sundays and holidays. To stay connected with CDTA’s latest initiatives, visit facebook.com/CDTAiride or follow us on twitter (@CDTA).
