License
No special license is required to drive the tram. All one needs is a regular ol’ drivers license. However if you want to drive the tram across the street from their 3rd street lot to the boardwalk for your shift, you must possess a CDL license. Sometimes drivers without a CDL switch with one that does to get the tram across the street and then walk back to the 3rd street lot.
25 Cents Per Ride
When the tram began back in 1964, it only cost 25 cents for a passenger to ride the tram- and you only paid cash. However as time went on, prices reflected the economy. In addition there are more ways to pay for a ride now. Exact cash is always accepted but now you can use credit card and apple pay.
They Have a Special Button!
It’s amazing to see the tram crossing local roads en-route to the boardwalk. How do they do it with all of those cars coming? They have a special button in the front of the jeep that changes the light at 4th street red in order to stop incoming traffic! How powerful?
Punch Cards
Advancements of technology is all over the world…except when talking about “punching in” for your shift as a driver or a conductor. Tram employees still use the “old time” punch card systems that have been upgraded slightly with a digital touch.
Small But Mighty
The small fleet only has 8 trams with an extra jeep in case of mechanical issues. Each tram can hold up to 75 passengers with the addition of some large stuffed animal claw machine winnings of course. And what’s the record for the highest number of passengers on a tram in one shift? Just ask Dennis! He holds the record with 558 passengers!
Rent the Tram?
You can what?! You can actually rent a tram for special occasions such as weddings, family reunions, celebrations of life, or even a bachelorette party! Talk about riding in style.
Always Safety First
When two trams are coming head to head, North bound trams will pull over to allow the South bound one to pass. The conductor of the North bound tram will always get out to ensure they are a safe distance from one another and people on the boardwalk. In addition, there are only two locations where the tram can not stop on the boardwalk due to a lack of vision/space- it’s the turn on the top of the fishing pier and the rest station at Caroline street. Drivers must use their radios to inform other drivers of their whereabouts and direction.
Crowds and More Crowds
You would think that when major events like Ocean’s Calling are in town, the tram would be running non- stop. However truth is, due to the gigantic number of patrons the tram can’t actually navigate the boardwalk. The tram can only turn around in two different spots on the boardwalk, both the north and south stations.
Labor of Love without the Labor
Being a member of the tram team seemed to have a commonality. Thanks to Robert, Hal, Dale, George, and Scott for answering all of my questions and lengthy emails. And even more thanks to the drivers, conductors, and ticket sales: Vicki, Patrick, Dennis, Mary, Larry, and Stewart- Each and every one of you expressed your love of being a member of the tram team whether for 1 year or 20 (we won’t mention names). You all made it very clear that “working” wasn’t really work- it was a labor of love without the labor.
To another 60 years of boardwalk fun!
