Imagine being able to park once and then hit all the happening spots in downtown Dallas at your leisure … and for free! Impossible, you say? Then you haven’t heard of the McKinney Avenue Trolley, which operates along a popular “M-line.” Hop on and off at any of its stops along the route and experience the magic of restored trolley from yesteryear. The experience of riding on one of the historic trolleys alone is a must do, and it’s surprising how many people don’t know about this free transportation service.
The McKinney Avenue Transit Authority returned heritage streetcars to Dallas in 1989.
Gail Frederick/Flickr The air conditioned and heated trolleys operate all 365 days of the year!
Dustin N./Yelp The trolleys help generate public interest in its attractions, restaurants, shops, and downtown hotels.
Just look at all the places you can go!
McKinney Area Transit Authority Don’t want to wait around for a trolley? You can track a trolley here.
These prominent signs let you know you are in the right place to hop aboard.
Dale D./Yelp Five vintage trolleys in operation, although not all run at the same time.
Each trolley has its own personality!
Bonita de Boer/Flickr Meet “Green Dragon,” which was built in 1913.
Say hello to “The Crescent Rose,” better known as “Rosie.”
John Corbett/Flickr She was built in 1909 and is the smallest of the cars.
“Rosie” has plush seating for the comfort of her riders!
Bonita de Boer/Flickr She also features some stunning stained glass panels.
“Matilda” and “Betty” are known for their beautiful woodwork.
Nicolas Henderson/Flickr
Dallas International School Mom’s Club/Facebook “Matilda” is the only car in the fleet with a center entrance.
Here’s “Petunia” heading down McKinney Avenue.
Bonita de Boer/Flickr
Bonita de Boer/Flickr One of “Petunia’s” historic advertising panels remains as it was back in the day.
Bonita de Boer/Flickr There’s also an old Butter-Nut Bread advertisement remaining in “Green Dragon.”
James/Flickr The operator “drives” the streetcar with a controller and all Dallas trolleys can be operated at both ends.
Bonita de Boer/Flickr The car barn is often visited by trolley buffs who want to see where their cars sleep when not in service.
You can even rent out a trolley for a special events or parties and decorate it to match!
Steven Martin/Flickr
The trolleys operate long hours, with extended times during some special events.
Don Johnson/Flickr You can find the trolley schedule here.
Steven S H C./Yelp Operating expenses are mostly provided by an agreement with Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART).
Return to yesteryear with a historic ride that will have you wondering why you didn’t use this free public service before.
Ryan Hernandez/Flickr
Malcolm K./Flickr While you can park anywhere (and there are stops in front of several downtown hotels as well), we recommend leaving your car at Uptown Station, which is located at 2700 Cityplace West Blvd., Dallas, 75204.
Have you taken advantage of the free trolley transportation service? If so, which car is your favorite?
Gail Frederick/Flickr
The air conditioned and heated trolleys operate all 365 days of the year!
Dustin N./Yelp
The trolleys help generate public interest in its attractions, restaurants, shops, and downtown hotels.
McKinney Area Transit Authority
Don’t want to wait around for a trolley? You can track a trolley here.
Dale D./Yelp
Five vintage trolleys in operation, although not all run at the same time.
Bonita de Boer/Flickr
Meet “Green Dragon,” which was built in 1913.
John Corbett/Flickr
She was built in 1909 and is the smallest of the cars.
She also features some stunning stained glass panels.
Nicolas Henderson/Flickr
Dallas International School Mom’s Club/Facebook
“Matilda” is the only car in the fleet with a center entrance.
One of “Petunia’s” historic advertising panels remains as it was back in the day.
There’s also an old Butter-Nut Bread advertisement remaining in “Green Dragon.”
James/Flickr
The operator “drives” the streetcar with a controller and all Dallas trolleys can be operated at both ends.
The car barn is often visited by trolley buffs who want to see where their cars sleep when not in service.
Steven Martin/Flickr
Don Johnson/Flickr
You can find the trolley schedule here.
Steven S H C./Yelp
Operating expenses are mostly provided by an agreement with Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART).
Ryan Hernandez/Flickr
Malcolm K./Flickr
While you can park anywhere (and there are stops in front of several downtown hotels as well), we recommend leaving your car at Uptown Station, which is located at 2700 Cityplace West Blvd., Dallas, 75204.
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