Explore Elmhurst Express opens for summer
The Explore Elmhurst Express, a bright yellow and green trolley that offers free rides and stops at six locations in Elmhurst, began operating this week and will continue from noon to midnight Fridays and Saturdays through Sept. 16.
Tickets aren't needed to ride the Express, which connects downtown Elmhurst with the Spring Road Business District and the York and Vallette Business District. "Explore Elmhurst" signs mark each stop.
New this year, the trolley is equipped with GPS and can be tracked using ExploreElmhurst.com. Riders can follow the "Trolley Tracker" link on the website to discover the trolley's exact location.
The trolley route loops through six stops:
• Stop 1: York and Park - Boarding time is roughly on the hour and 30 minutes after the hour.
• Stop 2: York and Schiller - Boarding time is roughly five and 35 minutes after the hour.
• Stop 3: Second and Addison - Boarding time is roughly 10 and 40 minutes after the hour.
• Stop 4: Cottage Hill and Virginia - Boarding time is roughly 15 and 45 minutes after the hour.
• Stop 5: Spring and the Illinois Prairie Path - Boarding time is roughly 20 and 50 minutes after the hour.
• Stop 6: York and Vallette - Boarding time is roughly 25 and 55 minutes after the hour.
The Explore Elmhurst Express is handicapped accessible and ADA-compliant. Strollers that collapse or fit into the seating area are welcome aboard. The trolley does not have onboard storage and it is against fire code to place strollers or bikes in the aisle.
Riders will be encouraged to enter to win weekly prizes donated by Elmhurst businesses and organizations.
An added bonus to the trolley experience will include a trolley narrative where riders will learn about key areas of the city and enjoy tunes from the Elmhurst College Jazz Band.
Elmhurst Public Library also will be leading story time on the trolley at 2:30 p.m. each Saturday starting at the York and Park trolley stop. Other special events and activities will be announced throughout the summer trolley run.
For details, visit ExploreElmhurst.com/trolley.