Beach trolleys could help Lee become more 'green'

LeeTran is looking at ways the LeeTran trolleys serving Fort Myers Beach could become even more environmentally friendly. Part of the process includes surveying the public and everyone can help by participating in the online survey at www.trolleysurvey.com. Each survey respondent becomes eligible for a $100 cash prize. LeeTran will host the survey through April 15 and everyone is invited to participate, whether they currently ride the trolleys or not.

The surveys are part of the data collection effort of a study to determine how the LeeTran Trolley Service can further reduce traffic congestion on and around Fort Myers Beach. The project will look at potential trolley enhancements and their possible effect on increasing trolley ridership to reduce congestion. The potential savings in carbon emissions and fossil fuel use will then be projected. The potential benefits from switching to trolleys that are powered by more environmentally friendly fuels will also be considered.

"If we can find ways to entice more drivers to leave their cars off the island and take the trolley, we can reduce the amount of time cars spend idling in traffic. Not only does this reduce emissions, it also saves fuel," said Steve Myers, director of LeeTran. "Between stimulus funds, potential grants, and provisions being discussed for the reauthorization of federal surface transportation funding, there may also be the opportunity to obtain trolleys that operate on more environmentally friendly fuel to replace our existing trolleys as the fleet ages."

To be eligible for the cash prize, the survey must be completed on or before April 15. Participants may respond only once. Those who would prefer to take the survey in writing can send a selfaddressed stamped envelope to CRSPE, Inc. 1414 S.E. 17th Avenue, Suite 104, Cape Coral, FL 33990 to obtain a copy.