Visitors to Sitka will have another way to get around beginning next summer. Sitka Tribal Enterprises plans to roll out two trolley-style buses. Camille Ferguson, the economic development director for STE, told the Sitka Chamber of Commerce yesterday (Wed 10-20-11) that the trolleys should arrive in early spring. And they’ll not be running just when cruise ships are in port.
“The visitors can get all-day passes, and it will be operated Monday – Friday. It will be on a fixed route, hitting all of Sitka’s highlights, including the National Park, the Raptor Center, the Naa Kahidi Dancers, the Russian Dancers, downtown – we’ll be doing that circulating route.”
Ferguson also said that STE will be adding two new buses to its regular transit fleet, bringing the total number of Community Ride buses to seven. Only five will be in service at any one time to allow a maintenance rotation.
The Community Ride began in 1992 with two vehicles. It serves over 200 riders per day.
The other big development for STE is a proposed remodel of the retail and backstage area of the Community House. Ferguson said the Made in Alaska gift shop would be expanded into the courtyard area, new dressing rooms will be built for performers, and a commercial kitchen will be installed.
She said that STE had already spent $200,000 planning the expansion.
