Dana Point Launches Free Summer Trolley Service

Categories: CommunityEvents/What's HappeningFestivalsNews

Experience the ease of travel with the Dana Point Summer Trolley Service.

News Summary

Dana Point is launching a Free Summer Trolley Service starting May 23, running daily until Labor Day. The service will enhance transportation within the city and connect to nearby areas, operating on a 15-minute schedule and offering free rides to all. The trolleys will be handicap accessible, ensuring inclusivity. New stops will be added to improve accessibility, and the trolley will connect to regional services. Community support is vital for sustaining the program, which aims to reduce traffic congestion and emissions in the area.

Dana Point is set to launch its Free Summer Trolley Service starting on Friday, May 23, 2025, and it will run every day until Labor Day on Monday, September 1, 2025. This initiative aims to facilitate transportation across the city and improve connectivity to neighboring coastal areas in South Orange County.

The trolley service will operate on a 15-minute schedule, making it convenient for residents and visitors alike. In addition, both the trolleys and the Harbor Shuttles will be free of charge for all riders, emphasizing the city’s commitment to accessible transport options. All trolleys will also be handicap accessible, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the service.

Operational Schedule

The operational hours for the trolley service differ according to the day of the week:

Monday through Thursday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Holidays: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM (including Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day)

New Trolley Stops for Summer 2025

In a bid to enhance accessibility, several new trolley stops will be introduced:

Stop S17: Calle Naranja and Calle Juanita (Sunset Park)
Stop S18: Camino de Estrella and Calle Naranja
Stop S19: Camino de Estrella and Mira Costa (Connection point with San Clemente)
Stop S20: Camino Capistrano and Calle Loma (Pines Park)

Connections to Regional Trolleys

The Dana Point Trolley will also connect riders to various other trolley services in the region, including:

Laguna Beach Free Coastal Trolley: Connection available at Salt Creek Beach/Ritz Carlton.
San Juan Capistrano Free Weekend Summer Trolley: Connects at Del Obispo and Stonehill.
San Clemente Daily Summer Trolley: Connection available at Stop S23: Camino de Estrella and Mira Costa.
Laguna Niguel Summer Weekend Trolley: Operates every 20 minutes from Thursday to Sunday.
San Juan Capistrano Trolley: Running every 20 minutes on weekends starting May 24, 2025.

Importance of Ridership

As part of the program, maintaining sufficient ridership counts is essential to secure ongoing grant funding for the trolley service. Community support will be crucial in ensuring the future sustainability of the PCH Trolley program.

The launch of the Free Summer Trolley Service is part of a broader initiative to position Dana Point as a regional hub for South Orange County coastal cities. The new trolley system aims to improve mobility and encourage greater use of public transport, ultimately contributing to the reduction of traffic congestion and emissions in the area.

For real-time updates on trolley operations, residents and visitors can download the Dana Point Trolley app, which will provide timely information about schedules and service changes.