A trolley system for the Town of Herndon was deemed feasible, at least initially, by the Town Council after a presentation by Trolley Committee chairman Dennis Husch.
Husch, also a council member, along with council member Steven Mitchell, had been asked by Mayor Michael O'Reilly earlier this year to form a committee set on discussing a downtown trolley service with members of the business community.
Based on two meetings and preliminary studies, the committee — comprised of Downtown Business Council and Herndon Dulles Chamber of Commerce representatives and town staff — ruled a trolley was probable.
Next they needed council's approval and feedback.
"It's roughly a $120,000 commitment up front for a year trial," said Mitchell about getting a service up and running with adequate time to increase ridership. "So we need to commit one way or the other."
Although the numbers are only approximations and the committee needs to further investigate possible grant assistance, Husch said the two areas the committee needed to review would be funding to purchase vehicles and funding to operate vehicles.
"We need to let staff put their arms out and around this and then decide if we need to contract out help," said O'Reilly to Mitchell's suggestion that an outside contractor be hired.
In addition, because grant assistance could be three to five years out, O'Reilly said he would like further investigations into costs before committing to a minimum one-year trial period.
"I am reluctant to put up $125,000 a year for three years until grant funding is available," he said.
After the review and discussion, council recommended the committee continue its investigation into funding and work with staff to bring a trolley service to town.
<b1>— Brynn Grimley