From the Grayton Beach Municipal Parking Lot, beach goers may take the Tram directly to Grayton Beach (departs every 10 minutes).  Another Tram from this same location will take riders to Blue Mountain Regional Beach Access, Gulfview Heights Regional Beach Access, and to the 393 Municipal Parking Lot for transfer to other beaches to the west on 30 A. (departs every 15 minutes).

 

From the 393 Municipal Parking Lot, one Tram goes directly to and from Ed Walline Regional Beach Access (Tram every 10 minutes).  The second Tram from the 393 Municipal Parking Lot provides service to both Dune Allen Regional Beach Access and Fort Panic Regional Beach Access (Tram every 15 minutes).  

 

 

There is no fee for any of the Tram services.  The buses (Trams) in service hold 14 passengers total and are air-conditioned for the hot days of summer quickly approaching.  MBN spoke to driver Dakota Hardesty, who was one of three drivers interviewed on the first day of operation.  Hardesty was excited about the new service offered by Walton County to “serve the residents and visitors.”  He said that beachgoers are welcome to bring food and all their beach paraphernalia on board, but he added that drinks brought on board should have lids.  With anticipation of greater demand for the tram service, Hardesty was asked about the number of riders that could be on board the shuttle service.  He said, “The total number of riders at any one time is 12…If a mother is carrying a baby, that child [infant in arms] counts as one of the passengers.”  Everyone riding the Tram system must have a seat. (No standing allowed.)

 

Mid Bay News tested each of the new routes and met another driver, Bruce Godbery.  If you’re fortunate enough to be on his Tram during rides to or from the beach, you will meet a gentleman who loves his job and customer service.  Mr. Godbery was very enthusiastic about the 15 vehicles that were purchased and made part of the new fleet for Walton Transportation.  At each stop, Godbery pointed out the stops that are designated for pick-up and drop-off for the Tram.  Godbery indicated that the Tram drivers are a team that understands the service is designed with the rider in mind.  It is designed for individuals/families that drive to the Municipal Parking Lots, park, quickly load buses, and easily get ‘dropped off’ and ‘picked up’ at one of the designated locations selected by the beachgoer.  

 

Shawn Cubbedge, a driver for the longest route, explained that Walton County has timed the runs of the Tram so that the wait time is minimal.  He said, “This process was treated with the greatest attention because Beach Operations for Walton County wants to ensure the best rollout of the new service.”  Cubbedge also provided information for those with physical disabilities needing special transport to the different beach locations.  He said, “Those needing special assistance can easily get an American Disabilities Act (ADA) equipped Tram at each of the Municipal Parking Facilities.  We have a total of three vehicles that are designated for this service, and we can get to the facilities easily to provide a ride to anyone.”  And in the spirit of excellent customer care, Cubbedge continued, “We have cards that we can provide those folks needing ADA assistance with the Tram [phone] number to call as they are ready to be picked up from the beach.”  

 

Overseeing the ridership on Day 1 was part of the management team’s focus.  Cory Thornton said that he was positive about the season ahead and the convenience the Tram System would bring visitors to the beach.  He added, “The Tram is going to be a support to the amount of traffic we typically see in peak season, but the Tram system will really provide easier utilization of our public beaches that supply ‘door to door’ service and greater access that may not be available due to constraints in parking.”  

 

Ridership for Day 1 was low, but that certainly will change, most assuredly, when spring break visitors begin to arrive in a week.  Nora Hernandez, another leader for the Tram Team, added that “the overall goal is to relieve congestion.”