Enhancing Accessibility and Convenience: Santa Barbara Visitor Trolley Pilot Project Takes Off

Authored on

July 27, 2023

Get ready to explore the City like never before, as the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce, Visit Santa Barbara, Downtown Santa Barbara, and the City team up to introduce the Santa Barbara Visitor Trolley pilot project. The convenient shuttle service, aimed at addressing the transportation needs and concerns of downtown businesses, expands transportation options in downtown Santa Barbara and the Funk Zone. This innovative initiative gives both visitors and community members alike an accessible, convenient, and affordable trolley experience.

Easily recognizable with its bright red color, the Visitor Trolley stands out as an open-air, ADA accessible transportation option. It is operated by the Santa Barbara Trolley Company, a privately owned organization. According to federal and state regulations, privately owned transportation companies aren't obligated to be ADA compliant. However, the Santa Barbara Trolley Company has ADA compliant trolleys in their fleet. Plus, all drivers are trained to use wheelchair lifts. The Santa Barbara Visitor Trolley currently in use is wheelchair accessible, and drivers are always ready to help patrons who need to use the wheelchair lift.

The Visitor Trolley runs Friday through Monday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., now through Labor Day, with the following pick-up and drop-off locations:

Hotel Californian: 36 State Street (departs from Hotel Californian on the hour and half hour. Last departure at 4:30 p.m.)

Paseo Nuevo: Chapala Street between Ortega and Canon Perdido Streets
Santa Barbara County Courthouse: 200 E. Anapamu Street
Ortega City Lot 10: 600 block of Anacapa Street, between Ortega and Cota Streets

*A map of the Visitor Trolley route can be found below.

Tickets for the Visitor Trolley can be purchased for $1 at the State Street Visitor Center, located at 120 State Street, Suite F, or via the Visitor Trolley collection box. Please note that cash is the only payment method accepted and no change will be provided.

More information on the Visitor Trolley and detailed route information is available on the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce website.