Introduction

In a bittersweet decision, the city of Langford has officially announced that it is putting its cherished rubber-wheeled trolley buses up for sale. These vibrant red and green buses, once a staple of local transportation and community spirit, became a recognizable emblem of the city's growth and charm.

The Role of Trolley Buses

The trolley buses provided crucial free or donation-based transportation options around downtown Langford, bridging the transit gaps between the heart of the city and popular destinations like shopping malls and recreational facilities. However, as B.C. Transit improved its services, the beloved trolleys have largely remained unused since 2017, emerging only for festive events such as Canada Day and Christmas parades.

Council's Decision

During a recent budget committee meeting, council members voted to proceed with the sale of the three aging trolleys. A request for proposals was issued to find potential buyers, marking a new chapter in the history of these iconic vehicles.

Sentimental Value

Councillor Lillian Szpak reflected on the sentimental value of the trolleys, describing them as "so loved and quite iconic." She acknowledged that although they represented a unique aspect of the community, their maintenance costs and age made it impractical to keep them operational. "At the end of the day, they were old, they needed maintenance and it wasn’t cost-effective," she noted, emphasizing that the city now benefits from improved transit services.

Controversy Surrounding the Sale

The decision to sell was not without controversy, as it passed by a narrow 4-to-3 vote, with some council members, including Mayor Scott Goodmanson, expressing their opposition to the sale.

Service History

The trolleys had proudly served Langford for over a decade, logging thousands of kilometers on routes that connected key local destinations, including City Centre Park, Westshore Town Centre, Millstream Village, and Costco. Their peak year was in 2015 when they transported a staggering 43,550 passengers.

Operational Challenges

However, a recent report revealed that these once-reliable vehicles, purchased between 2007 and 2013 for approximately $80,000 each, have started to deteriorate. Operational costs surged to over $220,000 annually, while revenue from donations, advertising, and rentals barely covered 10% of that amount. Currently, only one of the trolleys is operational, with another potentially repairable, while the third is designated for spare parts.

Financial Implications

Over the past five years, the city has incurred an average of $6,000 annually in maintenance and $5,000 in insurance costs for these trolleys. Councillor Szpak poignantly commented on the emotional aspect of letting go of these buses: “Liquidating the buses is not without sentimental attachment for the community. It’s hard to do that, but you have to make those hard choices.”

Accessibility and Environmental Impact

Despite their charm and nostalgic appeal, Szpak acknowledged the trolleys’ accessibility issues and their environmental impact, stating, “They were not accessible for all and were polluters. But the idea of them was adorable.” Recalling her experiences riding the trolleys, she highlighted their role in creating joyful memories for families.

Looking Ahead

The request for proposals to purchase the trolleys is currently open until November 14, and it remains to be seen who will take on these pieces of Langford's transportation history. Will the trolleys find new life with a buyer, or will they fade into the annals of local lore? Only time will tell.