Trolley provides Sioux City residents, visitors with unique way to explore downtown

Becker bought the red trolley, which features original brass and woodwork, in Des Moines. He said people rent it for occasions such as weddings and anniversaries. Since 2022, Becker's trolley has also been offering residents and visitors a unique mode of transportation with which to explore downtown Sioux City.

"The reaction has been very pleasant," said Becker, whose trolley has appeared in local parades, too. 

After TravelPlus, which previously provided trolley service, closed, Downtown Partners began contracting with Black Tie Limousine & Shuttle. Ragen Cote, Downtown Partners' executive director, said trolley service has been provided in Sioux City since 2015. Downtown Partners is an organization that promotes business interests in the historic core of the city. The goal of the downtown trolley is to help connect residents and visitors to entertainment and shopping locations throughout downtown.

Cote said people can park their cars and ride around on the trolley. A map, which is posted on Downtown Partners' website, shows the trolley's routes and stops. 

The Downtown Route is 2.87 miles. Stops along this route are: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City, Historic Pearl Street District, Orpheum Theatre, RE/MAX City Centre and Sioux City Convention Center/Promenade Theatre. The Events Loop, which stops at the Tyson Events Center, is 0.7 miles. 

The trolley runs from 7 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays from Memorial Day through Oct. 1. It is operational, weather permitting, from 7 p.m. to midnight on Saturdays until Dec. 31. 

"It's really nice to have that mode of transportation. It's been a hit," Cote said. "It's a great service." 

Becker said the trolley, which is diesel-powered, seats roughly 30 people. He operates the trolley, at times, and also has specific drivers who take it out. In order to drive the trolley, Becker said a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is needed. 

"It's a lot easier (to drive) than my limos. It turns a lot better, even though it's longer. I used it on the Tour of Homes. There were some houses up on the north side that were almost impossible for a large vehicle to get up there. The trolley did just fine," he said. "At first, it's a little intimidating because it's so big and you're high up. But you get used to it." 

Even if Becker hadn't been awarded the contract from Downtown Partners for trolley service, he said he still would have bought the vehicle.

"It's historic. It's just like you're going back in time when you're riding on it. A lot of towns don't have it, so I'm glad Sioux City has the downtown trolley," he said.

For more information on the trolley or to book it for your next adventure, call 712-274-4614.