Great intentions – Mixed results The Old Town Trolley

Recently, the City of Alexandria Virginia launched a trolley free service running from the waterfront to the King Street Metro.  The Trolley stops every couple of blocks dropping and picking up guest along the way.  The idea was to provide a free and easy commute for guests, who cross the river from National, Harbor to shop, eat and tour the city.  It is supposed to be a great resource for our restaurants, shops, Galleries, etc.

Great idea!

Yes and no

We have heard a lot of locals, who live or commute to Alexandria), saying they use it often to go to the Metro and back or to commute to a restaurant or a business a few blocks away.  But the trolley brings another problem with it.  As we spoke to several businesses and restaurants across King Street, we got a different message.  Some restaurants and businesses make a large percentage of their income from “walk-ins”.  Walk-ins are basically people who make their decision when they see a storefront window or check a menu during their walk.  They could have been heading to a specific restaurant but due to seeing another, they changed their minds.  The trolley changed all that.  People jump on the Trolley bypassing all the stores and restaurants on their way. 

“We have lost 50% of our walk-ins since they started running the trolley” Leila’s restaurant owner said “we are hurt” he added.  He also mentioned other businesses suffering the same outcome. 

The problem might have a bigger impact on side street stores where people used to venture while taking their normal daily walks.

It is hard to please everybody but I believe the trolley was put in place to bring more business to the local restaurants and businesses so the city has to address these concerns.  Walk-ins are an essential part of Old Town’s commerce.

Businesses and restaurants owners are supposed to meet with the city to discuss the situation soon.  We will try to keep you updated on the outcome.

Please let us know what you think whether you are a business or a resident.