During major events, vehicular traffic on Pensacola Beach can grind to a virtual standstill.

Public parking lots cannot accommodate all the vehicles, forcing residents, vacationers and visitors alike to seek alternative means to get around the popular barrier island.

Fortunately, there is one alternative that helps relieve some of the frustrating congestion. The Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA) provides weekend beach trolley service that not only serves as a congestion-buster during peak traffic periods but also gives beachgoers a convenient way to get to and from the restaurants and businesses.

"The core area - Quietwater, Casino Beach - can get real congested at times," SRIA public safety director Bob West admitted.

"The trolley system allows folks to park in the outlying parking lots and ride the trolleys as well as from their homes and condos to the core area and not have the parking frustrations."

The SRIA deploys two trolleys that complete the 8.3-mile loop between Portofino condominiums to the east and the Palm Beach Club to the west every 30 minutes. Trolleys run from 6 p.m. to midnight on Fridays, noon to midnight on Saturdays, and 5 to 10 p.m. on Sundays. Trolley stops are clearly marked with signage along Via DeLuna Drive, Fort Pickens Road and major parking areas.

The service began May 17 and will run through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7.

"It allows people to hop on the trolley, ride to the core area, not worry about parking, have a good time, eat a good meal, whatever, and catch another trolley and ride back," West said.

During the recent Blue Angels Weekend, two trolleys ran solely between the Fort Pickens gate and Casino Beach beginning at 8 a.m. each day. After congestion subsided following the air shows, which ended at approximately 3 p.m., the regular trolley routes were resumed.

Ridership has been steadily increasing over the past two months, with totals so far this year exceeding 25,000 riders. The system is well on its way to surpassing the 30,587 riders documented in 2007-08.

To learn more, contact the SRIA at (850) 932-2257.

SRIA TROLLEY SCHEDULE:

Fridays - 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Saturdays - 12 noon to 12 a.m.
Sundays - 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.