More Than 17.5 Million Trips on I-Ride Trolley

ONE OF ORLANDO’S MOST POPULAR ATTRACTIONS
EXPANDS SERVICE TO INCLUDE NEW SEA WORLD ATTRACTION AND
ACCOMMODATIONS IN TOURIST CORRIDOR
 
One of the most popular attractions among visitors to the International Drive Resort Area is the I-Ride Trolley. Combining the charm of the past with today’s modern comforts, the Trolleys transport millions of visitors to the attractions and accommodations located in Orlando’s tourist corridor. And it is the best bargain in the area: $1.25 for a single adult ride!
 
The service area now includes the recently-opened Aquatica - SeaWorld’s Waterpark, the new Point Orlando Resort as well as the recently renovated Westgate Palace Resort near Wet 'n Wild. Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark, includes up-close animal experiences, high-speed thrills and wide, sandy beaches.
 
Aquatica is the first new water park to open in Orlando in 12 years. It features 36 water slides; six rivers and lagoons and more than 80,000 square feet (7,432 square meters) of beach area. Guests are immersed with live animals in the park, including Commerson’s dolphins, brilliant macaws and colorful fish.
 
The I-Ride Trolley Red Line route travels primarily along International Drive north and south, beginning at Prime Outlets International Orlando and traveling southbound on a circular route to Orlando Premium Outlets. In addition to the many dining and accommodation stops along the route, it also stops at Pointe Orlando, the Orange County Convention Center, SeaWorld Adventure Park Orlando and Aquatica.
 
The Green Line begins service in the Major Blvd. area and encompasses Kirkman Road and Universal Blvd., then shadows the Red Line route as it continues service down to Orlando Premium Outlets with stops that include Wet ‘n Wild, Pointe Orlando, the new Point Orlando Resort and the newly renovated Westgate Palace Resort, the Orange County Convention Center and Sea World Adventure Park Orlando.
 
This prototype destination transportation system began in 1997 and has logged more than 17.5 million trips since that time. It provides a comfortable, efficient and cost effective way of allowing visitors to park their cars and enjoy their experience on I-Drive. Many improvements have been made since 1997 and as the area grows, so does the Trolley service.
 
Luann Brooks, Executive Director of the International Drive Master Transit & Improvement District, operator of the Trolley System, says that the transportation service continues to serve as a popular amenity for vacationers and meeting attendees who stay on International Drive with ridership increasing each year. In fiscal year 2007, the prototype system carried more than 2 million passengers. In fiscal year 2008, estimates are projected to reach 2.15 million passengers.
 
“The Trolley System continues to expand to serve the needs of our guests as exciting new attractions and accommodations open. It is our ongoing goal to continue to improve and add services for our guests as they enjoy the convenience of utilizing this cost-effective transportation option to reach the majority of the I-Drive Resort Area.”
 
The I-Ride Trolley Service operates 15 trolleys with service from 8 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. daily. Costs: Single fare, $1.25 per ride; senior fare 65 and over, $0.25 per ride. Children under 12 ride free when accompanied by a paying adult. Unlimited ride passes are available: (one-day pass, $4.00 per person); (three-day pass, $6.00 per person); (five-day pass, $8.00 per person); (seven-day pass, $10.00 per person) (14-day pass, $17.00 per person). Each I-Ride Trolley seats 54 riders plus two wheelchair positions and an ADA-specified hydraulic lift system.
 
I-Drive area visitors also utilize the Trolley stop marker system. It is easy to navigate with this unique user-friendly marker system that assists pedestrians and drivers looking for a specific destination. When used in conjunction with the I-Ride Trolley route map, the oversized marker signs on both sides of the road make for easy navigation.
 
For detailed, downloadable Trolley maps and District Partner advertising opportunities, visit www.iridetrolley.com.
9/08