Platte Valley Trolley facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Platte Valley Trolley
The Platte Valley Trolley in its parking place in Denver, Colorado
Overview
Locale	Denver
Service
Type	Heritage streetcar
Operator(s)	Denver Tramway Heritage Society
History
Opened	July 4, 1989
Technical
Line length	1.2 miles
Track gauge	4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Minimum radius	(?)
Electrification	None (Diesel electric)

The Platte Valley Trolley is a special old-fashioned streetcar line in Denver, Colorado. It is run by the Denver Tramway Heritage Society. This fun trolley started carrying passengers on July 4, 1989. It offers a unique way to see parts of Denver and learn about its history.

Where the Trolley Goes and When It Runs

The trolley line begins at Confluence Park. This park is a historic spot where the city of Denver was first started. It's where the South Platte River and Cherry Creek River meet. You can find the trolley near 1400 Platte Street, behind the REI store. You can get to it from Platte Street or 15th Street in downtown Denver.

Trolley Schedule and Tickets

In 2015, the trolley season began on May 22. It usually runs on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays. This schedule lasts until Labor Day (September 7). The first ride leaves Confluence Park at 11:30 AM. The last ride of the day leaves at 4:30 PM.

The trolley also runs on holidays like Memorial Day and Independence Day. You can also catch it during special events. These include the Children's Museum of Denver First Tuesdays and the South Platte River Festival. It also runs during Denver Broncos home games. Another special time is the annual Rocky Mountain Showdown between Colorado State University and the University of Colorado.

Tickets cost $5 for adults and $2 for children. You can buy them right on the trolley from the motorman or conductor. You can also buy tickets at any of the trolley's stops. These stops include REI/Confluence Park, the Downtown Aquarium, or the Children's Museum of Denver.

The Trolley's Path and Future Plans

The trolley travels south along the west side of the Platte River. It goes to a place called Lakewood Gulch. Before 2007, the line went even further west. It followed Lakewood Gulch and old interurban tracks. Now, the line stops near where the RTD built its new light rail project. This new light rail opened on April 26, 2013.

There are plans to make the trolley line longer in the future. It might be extended into a redeveloped area called Lower Colfax. On April 22, 2013, the Denver City Council approved a plan for this area. As part of this plan, the Platte Valley Trolley will go all the way to the Decatur-Federal Light Rail Station.

What You See on the Ride

The trolley ride passes many interesting places. These include the Children's Museum and the Downtown Aquarium. You'll also see Empower Field at Mile High, where the Denver Broncos play. Elitch Gardens is another fun spot you'll pass.

You can also enjoy great views of the Denver skyline. The ride is a 25-minute tour with someone telling you about the history of the area. The Platte Valley Trolley reminds people of the old open-car streetcars. These streetcars were once the main way people traveled around Denver. Around 1920, there were special "Seeing Denver" streetcars. Many old buildings in Denver were part of the trolley system. Some still have their original signs. Besides regular rides, you can also rent the Platte Valley Trolley for special events.

How the Trolley Works

The Platte Valley Trolley uses a special car. It's a 1986 copy of a 1903 open streetcar made by Brill. The strong frame and steel parts of the car came from a 1924 Melbourne, Australia streetcar. The trolley car was built by the Gomaco Trolley Company in Ida Grove, Iowa.

The trolley has a Cummins 6BT diesel electric generator on board. This generator makes 600 volts of electricity. This power runs the four Metropolitan-Vickers traction motors. These motors help the trolley move. It also powers other parts of the trolley.

See also

• In Spanish: Tranvía de Denver para niños