Greensboro launches 'Hopper' trolley service to provide free downtown transportation

The city of Greensboro's free, downtown Hopper trolleys are now in service.

The transportation pilot program started last week with a goal of improving downtown mobility.

The trolleys will run Thursdays through Saturdays from noon to midnight and Sundays from noon to 10 p.m. The route runs north and south along Elm Street. They will arrive at stops every seven minutes, free to the public.

Kevin Elwood, marketing and communications manager with Greensboro Transit Agency, says the service was first proposed in 2019. He says the pandemic delayed the program's start.

"The hopes of the project will be to enable easier transportation around the downtown area, reducing reliance on parking," Elwood says. "Also, helping the merchants in the downtown area experience even more people coming through as a result of having easier access to the downtown area."

Elwood says there are seven trolleys, but four will run at any given time.

According to the city's website, hours and stop locations may change as city planners study rider patterns.

The service is scheduled to run through the end of the year.