Trolley gives teens summertime transportation

SYMBOL OF THE CITY-The red trolley of Calabasas isn't always full, but city officals say the service is needed. The vehicle runs on natural gas and transports many teens who don't have driver's licenses. Its popularity grows during the summer. Although Southern California's public transportation system often is criticized, the weekend trolley service in Calabasas has become a popular mode of travel for teenagers in need of a ride.

The Calabasas trolley gives young people a fun and efficient way to get around town.

Calabasas began renting the trolley in 1999 to promote local shopping within the city's commerce area, city officials said.

Due to the growing popularity of the program, the city decided to purchase its own trolley and began offering the service free of charge to its riders.

Going to The Commons to give teens a weekend night out is the trolley's most popular function, but many young people use the city transportation for other purposes.

"Going to Albertsons, going shopping, having dinner," is how 15-year-old Alivia Thompson puts the trolley to work.

Cameron Hashemi, 15, takes the trolley to summer school.

"I don't have a car so I just use this as transportation," Cameron said.

Although it's popular among middle school and high school students who can't yet drive, the trolley often loses its appeal when students get driver's licenses. Ana Stasia, 15, said she won't be taking the trolley after she gets a car of her own.

But Hunter Persson, 16, said he'd continue taking the trolley to The Commons because "gas is too expensive."

The trolley travels in a loop around the city and a full trip takes 50 minutes. The prominent red vehicle is actually a bus made to look like an old trolley car.

To supplement the trolley, which only runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the city of Calabasas provides a regular bus shuttle service during weekdays.

Information about trolley routes and stop times can be found on the city's website, cityofcalabasas.com.