Beloved Maine Seacoast Summertime Tradition is Ending

One of the immense enjoyments and traditions that says 'summertime in York, Maine' is ending an incredible era for vacationers, beachgoers, and locals alike.

Since 2004, riding on one of the open-air, retro-style blue or red trolleys run by the York Trolley Company has been a long-established tradition loved by everyone, whether to ride around York or get to the beach.  Children yelling "there's the trolley" was a sound that brought smiles and joy to owner Nick Papin and his two drivers.

Nick, though, has sadly announced on his website via Facebook that he's ending this beloved pastime, and says it has a lot to do with the pandemic and wanting to spend more time with family and friends.

It is with great sadness that I have made the difficult decision to discontinue the Beach Trolley service.  I know this is troubling news for many as the Beach Trolley has been an integral part of the York Beach community since I started the service in 2004. I’m well aware that folks have come to rely on this service, and I don’t take this lightly.

Nick says he loves the trolleys and the joy they bring, and will miss seeing the same families year after year that have become part of his summer family.

HOWEVER, here's the good news.

Even though running the beach trolleys all summer isn't sustainable for him personally, he says he will continue to offer private trolley rentals and tours.

I know we're an integral part of the York Beach community and I will still offer private rentals for events such as weddings, family celebrations, company outings, proms, and private tours.

York Trolley Company, according to its website, is a small private business with just two trolleys built by Maine craftspeople, so I'm glad that this local tradition that holds such passion and love will continue privately.