Nostalgia on Wheels: Texarkana’s Trolley Set for Grand Comeback

The Texarkana Arts and Historic District Committee, in collaboration with the Cities of Texarkana, Texas, and Arkansas, is excited to bring a bit of Texarkana's past to the present with a 1999 Freightliner Trolley Bus.

Past to Present: Texarkana's Original Streetcar

The original classic streetcar was once used to grace the historic downtowns across America, including Texarkana, by rail.  Some cities still have trolleys that run on rail tracks; most notably, one of the most famous, the E line streetcar in San Francisco, CA.

Texarkana's Vintage Trolley Bus

However, the 1999 Freightliner Trolley, which the Ark-Tex Council of Governments purchased, is considered a Trolley Bus.

Brooke Stone with the Texarkana Arts and Historic District said the trolley was purchased using hotel occupancy tax funds and will undergo a mechanical upgrade by the City’s fleet maintenance team before returning to service. Once operational, the trolley will be managed by the Arts and Historic District Committee, which will oversee its use for tourism and special events.

The inside of the trolley still looks pretty good; it just needs a little TLC, said Stone.

Transformation in the Making on Texarkana Trolley

The trolley is expected to receive a brand-new wrap from a local graphic designer from Digital Effects. Committee members will help in removing the current wrap, and a new custom design inspired by the classic streetcars will be installed to reflect the charm and heritage of Texarkana's past.

Just like many cities that use a trolley bus for guided tours, the Texarkana trolley will be used in the same capacity for visiting groups and tourists in conjunction with both Convention Centers in Texarkana, Texas, and Arkansas.

“This is such an exciting and nostalgic addition to the district,” said Brooke Stone, Arts and Historic District Manager.

“Our committee is so excited to see the trolley back on the road again and gracing the streets of downtown. This will be such a fun and unique way for tourists and locals to experience Texarkana.”

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How Long Will It Take To Restore?

The restoration will take several months to complete. When finished, it will represent another exciting step forward amid ongoing revitalization efforts in the downtown Arts and Historic District. This new endeavor marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for downtown tourism in Texarkana. The trolley will provide a family-friendly way to explore and celebrate the city’s vibrant culture and shared history from Texarkana's past to present.

For more on the new trolley, please visit the Texarkana Arts and Historic District Facebook page.