Three new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-fueled Classic American Trolleys were delivered to the Ccity of Visalia, Calif., in April. They were put into service in May.

Each trolley seats 22 passengers and has two wheelchair positions available. Trolley features include destination signs, automated vehicle locator (AVL), oak wood slat seats and walls, brass bells and chimes, trolley style windows, cow catcher and authentic trolley cupola.

Several routes throughout Visalia give passengers different options when traveling on the trolley. The city’s Blue and Green routes connect with the Courthouse and downtown areas. The trolley also takes the red route which provides transportation to the Visalia Oaks baseball games. The system services areas where parking can be scarce and helps to relieve traffic congestion.

Not only are the trolleys free to ride but the trolley passengers appreciate the cleaner-burning CNG transit vehicle on the streets, lessoning the impact on the poor air quality in California’s Central Valley where Visalia is located. The drivers have also enjoyed the trolleys with the air conditioning during the warmer months and the smooth and comfortable ride. Everyone agrees the trolleys bring character to the downtown area.

The Classic American Trolley was chosen over other trolleys in the industry because of the CNG option. With the addition of these three trolleys to its current fleet of three hybrid-electric units, it has been able to reduce emissions and make the cities trolley fleet 100 percent powered by alternative sources. The city even has its own compressed natural gas fueling station.