Trolleys need to stop the noise, say residents

 

BY PRU SOWERS

KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER

 

When it comes to the Key West tourist trolleys, Conch Trains and “Ducks,” there was no question where about 30 residents in City Commissioner Jimmy Weekley’s district stand. They want change.

Weekley and City Attorney Shawn Smith got an earful on Wednesday, Nov. 12, when Weekley held a public workshop to hear what modifications his constituents want the city to make in the trolley franchise contracts that expire in February. Noise topped the list. Several residents complained about the trolley and Conch Train driver narratives that are broadcast to passengers over a loudspeaker.

“I don’t know any other city that allows the kind of annoyance we allow here,” said David Kaminsky.

Kaminsky was joined by several other residents complaining about the frequency of the tour vehicles on city streets. Although the current franchise agreement requires tour companies to wait a minimum of 30 minutes before sending the next vehicle out, that often doesn’t happen, they said.

“It’s real clear vehicles during peak times are running much more frequently than allowed,” Kaminsky said, adding that the tour companies should be required to hire a dispatcher that would regulate departure times.

“The issue is not how many per hour but how do we handle traffic congestion in the city,” added resident Perry Johnston.

Weekley said one solution for the noise problem is to require the tour passengers to wear headsets so that the narration cannot be heard outside of the vehicle. Another option would be for passengers to use an app on their smart phones to hear a recorded tour narration.

“There are new technologies, I guess, to be able to reach that goal,” Weekley said about eliminating loudspeaker noise.

Other contract negotiation suggestions included limiting the number of vehicles tour companies can operate. And one resident said tour drivers should be required to take a Key West history test every two years to ensure they are giving correct information during their narration.

“I hear these people going by,” said John Dell, referring to the tour drivers. “The distortions they talk about are ridiculous. It’s bad for the town.”

And then there are the Duck Boats, the amphibious tour trucks that operate both on land and in the water. Although no Ducks are operating in Key West waters at the moment, both Historic Tours of America and City View Trolley Tours have permits to launch the vehicles. The only thing stopping them is there is no boat ramp available for the truck/boats to enter the harbor. The ramp previously available was taken off the table earlier this year when the U.S. Navy operating in Key West denied access to the harbor to recreational boats that might interfere with military operations.

“I abhor the Ducks. They hurt my soul,” said resident Maureen Bramlage. “They’re too big. I vote for getting those guys in the negotiations to give up all they can.”

Weekley said it might be possible to convince the tour companies to let go of the Duck permits. But at a minimum, the city needs to negotiate the routes the Ducks use.

“With the expiration of the franchise agreements in February, everything is on the table,” Weekley said.

“I can’t see Ducks going down side streets. They’re too big. They’re going to have to stay on the primary roads,” he said.

 

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