Photo by Jennifer BruseNews
The Woodlands Township reveals 6 New Town Center Trolleys
This morning The Woodlands Township celebrated the next chapter of the Town Center Trolleys at a special Grand Trolley Reveal. The event was held at the Trolley Stop located along The Woodlands Waterway on the south side of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.
Township Chairman Brad Bailey welcomed Grand Trolley Reveal attendees and shared, “We are here to celebrate an exciting new chapter for the Town Center Trolley Program as we officially unveil six new trolleys and recognize the community members who helped give them their names and personality. The new fleet will help us to continue to provide dependable service for resident and visitors for many years to come.”
The six new Town Center trolleys feature refreshed graphics and names inspired by community submissions through the Trolley Naming Contest held earlier this year. The contest sough nature-inspired ideas reflecting the vision of The Woodlands community, shaped by found George P. Mitchell. Residents could submit up to three ideas, and parents or guardians could submit entries on behalf of children. The winning category was called “Rhyming Names, Plus George.”
The New Trolley Fleet includes:
- Trolley #2501 “Dolly” with driver Kelly Smith, also the Trolley Supervisor
- Trolley #2502 “Molly” with driver Roger Warren
- Trolley #2503 “Jolly” with driver Jesse Blackwell
- Trolley #2504 “Lolly” with driver Shon Youens
- Trolley #2505 “Holly” with driver Lisa Howard
- Trolley #2506 “George” with driver Clint Finch
The new trolleys feature low-entry access for riders using wheelchairs and other mobility devices, permanent rear windows and improved air conditioning. Senior Communications Specialist Perry Frank designed the new trolley graphics.
The Town Center Trolley program is free for everyone. The Federal Transit Administration reimburses the Township for approximately half of the program’s operating costs, with Township funds covering the remainder. The trolleys travel a route of approximately 4.5 miles, connecting The Woodlands Mall, Market Street, Town Center, The Woodlands Waterway and Hughes Landing. In 2025, two additional stops were added to serve event parking and the boathouses at Timberloch and Riva Row. During the past three years, the trolley program has performed better than at any other time in its history, providing approximately 200,000 passenger rides each year.
Montgomery County Precinct 3 Commissioner Ritch Wheeler was in attendance and shared how the county is in full support the trolley program, is grateful for their partnership with The Woodlands Township, and how The Woodlands is known nationwide because of its iconic trolleys.
The event also recognized the creative young artists who participated in the Trolley Coloring Contest. the entries were divided into four age groups: ages 0-3, 4-7, 8-11, and 12-15. Three winners were selected from each group, for a total of 12 honorees. Coloring contest winners received their very own artwork commemorated on canvas and a prize.
“We are delighted to recognize the young artists who entered our Trolley Coloring Contest,” shared Township Director of Transportation Ruthanne Haut. “This was an especially difficult contest to judge because every participant did a fantastic job bringing color, creativity and personality to the Town Center Trolley coloring page.”
The Township has a ceremonial trolley bell dating to the beginning of the trolley program in 2027. At the end of the event program, Chairman Bailey, Director Haut, and Trolley Supervisor Kelly Smith rang the trolley bell to commemorate this special day, November 7, 2026. The trolleys departed soon after at 11 a.m. for their maiden voyages and first ride around The Woodlands.
View moments from the event on the Hello Woodlands Facebook and Instagram pages:
A special thank you to The Township’s Transportation Department, Communications Department, trolley drivers, federal and regional partners, Township staff and everyone who helped bring these vehicles into service. Whether you are community, attending a concert, visiting a restaurant, shopping or simply enjoying a day along The Woodlands Waterway, The Township is continuing to modernize how The Woodlands moves.
To learn more about the Town Center Trolleys, visit https://www.woodlandstransit.com/Trolleys.
