The new Newark Trolley, as covered by nj.com, made its official debut on Wednesday night before the Devils’ first playoff game of 2009 (a decisive 4-1 win for all you unfortunate hockey virgins).
Outside the Rock before Wednesday's game.
Twelve stops denoted with distinct signage have opened the Ironbound to Prudential Center customers for the reasonable price of FREE (you need your event ticket to board).
The Newark Trolley stops here.
Scroll over the map to check out the 60+ restaurants officially on the Newark Trolley’s list. You can also view the schedule here.
A free ride for arena goers.
This is a great idea, and exactly the kind of proactive initiative Newark needs to showcase the great neighborhood on the other side of the tracks. My only gripe is that the last trolleys are about 30 minutes after the start of an event. Let’s say the Devils put on a clinic and win a great game, leaving fans in euphoria. Wouldn’t it be nice to break out a “Let’s Go Devils” chant on the trolley as you stroll through the Ironbound on your way to celebrate with a few cold ones somewhere other than the handful of bars and pubs within a two-block radius of the arena?
The inside of the trolley.
I can only imagine that someone will wise up eventually and these cars will run post-game. Even if they initiate a fee of a buck or two, it’ll be well worth it. Hopefully, the people in charge figure something out in time for Dane Cook’s May 2nd show; it would be nice to drop by Fernandes for some sangria.
Here’s a couple short videos of the trolley ride sent in by reader IronboundA:
April 18th, 2009 at 10:22 pm
I totally agree with you. This is an awesome idea. A couple of days before they announced this, my friends and I were walking back from Iberia after a Devils game and we said that the city needs to promote the ironbound more. I have not been able to try it yet, went to Arena Lounge for game 2, but I am looking forward to it. It will catch on, and yes they should let it run after the games too. But this is a great start and a smart move by Newark! Go Devils!
April 19th, 2009 at 8:22 am
Hey has anyone done the entire loop? I see the pictured map says it only does a Market/Ferry loop but the map indicates it goes to Fernandez which is at the other end of Fleming? Either way it would be an interesting idea to make these permanent as a replacement for the local 1 buss.
April 19th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
I took this loop on Friday night before the game. I got there early and had nothing to do. I’ve never been that far down in Newark/Ironbound. Like Alan said, it seems like a good start to open up the city.
April 19th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
WOW, what a great idea! Another good way to see Newark. And it’s free!!
April 20th, 2009 at 8:26 am
It was great to take. So easy especially if your living in the Ironbound like me. I think all people going to the events need to take this it’s definitely worth it and like Quade says it’s Free and Free is for me! LOL!
April 20th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
I love the idea of taking the trolley places. I have yet to take it though.
April 28th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
oh wow!
May 23rd, 2009 at 2:28 pm
A definate step in the right direction toward Newark actually having a real “trolley tour” or “tourist trolley” that just about every other city has!