Monterey Trolley

Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST), in partnership with WAVE, is replacing a diesel vehicle with a new zero-emissions electric trolley powered by the WAVE 50kW wireless charging system, allowing Monterey to reduce emissions and noise pollution. The 27' trolley will operate along Monterey's scenic waterfront and connect the Monterey Bay Aquarium with Fisherman's Wharf, downtown Monterey and historic Cannery Row, allowing travel between these iconic landmarks more enjoyable for both locals and tourists.

Eighty-one percent of funding for this project comes from a Clean Fuels Grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The program supports emerging clean fuel and advanced propulsion technologies for transit buses. The remaining funding for the $2 million project will utilize the State of California Transportation Development Toll credits. This will ensure that no local tax dollars or passenger fares will be used to fund this infrastructure improvement project. MST plans to purchase one electric trolley and associated infrastructure to charge the vehicle wirelessly. The trolley will be the first public transit vehicle in California to be powered by a wireless electric charge, and will allow MST to conduct the necessary research into the practical application of the cutting-edge technology of wireless power transfer.

MST hopes to place this next generation wireless electric trolley into service on the Monterey Trolley route in 2013. Now that MST has funding for the project, the district will begin working with the City of Monterey in the coming months to obtain approvals and street improvement permits.