ATLANTIC CITY (AP) — A new tram system may soon be shuttling passengers along the Atlantic City Boardwalk.

Atlantic City Boardwalk (PRNewsFoto/City of Atlantic City)
Atlantic City Boardwalk (PRNewsFoto/City of Atlantic City)
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And that may bring a sharp reduction in the number of the iconic rolling chairs that now serve the area.

The Press of Atlantic City reports the tram service is due to start Feb. 1. It will be operated by B&B Parking, a local business that operates parking lots throughout the city.

The company will pay the city a minimum of $126,000 per year for two years to operate five new electric trams. Company officials estimate the payment will be about 10 percent of gross annual revenues.

Each tram can seat as many as 15 passengers and will be operated by a driver and conductor. The firm plans to hire about 20 employees, with two teams staffing two shifts per day.

The trams will run from 10 a.m. until around 2 a.m., and the routes will vary depending on economic developments. During the summer, the company plans to use one tram as a tour vehicle on Saturdays, providing historical tours of the boardwalk area.

The trams' start has been delayed by an ongoing lawsuit brought by Brigantine-based JJJN LLC, which was the runner-up during the contract bidding process. It wants the contract voided, claiming B&B's bid violated existing city ordinances

 

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