Project Profile

Trolley Extension

Galveston, Texas

Project Summary: TGC provided feasibility study, preliminary engineering, and project management services to revive and extend Galveston’s trolley system. The first 4.9 mile phase of the single-track system connects the downtown with its hotels, shopping, and entertainment venues south to the Seawall. The second phase is a one mile extension to the University of Texas Medical Branch – the island’s largest employer. A third phase, a 0.5 mi. extension to Stewart Beach - the most popular beach in the area – is under study.

Project Highlights

Feasibility Analysis

TGC conducted a comprehensive review of preferred alignments and technologies, ridership estimates, operating plans and associated costs, capital budgets, and prospective funding programs. Some key characteristics of the system are single-track construction, rubber-booted and welded track, and a bypass.

Intergovernmental Relations

In addition, TGC led the effort to execute agreements between the City and UTMB and Island Transit and the Galveston Housing Authority to commit to on-going financial support for the operations of the trolley line.

Funding

TGC led Island Transit’s effort to leverage its local investment and state-associated transit investments to maximize federal participation for this $10.6 million project. As a result of TGC’s strategy, the trolley extension was constructed using no additional local dollars.