Greensboro Has a Funky (and Free) New Trolley to Get Around Downtown

Whether you live in Greensboro or are visiting for the weekend, there’s a funky new way to get around downtown—and it’s free!

Now through Dec. 31st, the city is running the Hopper Trolley pilot program. 

They’re using buses that have been renovated to look like old trolley cars and are picking up passengers along a historical trolley route. 

How It Works

Running Thursday- Saturday from 12 p.m. – 12 a.m.,  and on Sunday from 12 p.m. – 10 p.m., you can expect a Hopper Trolley every seven minutes. The renovated buses stop  at each block on Elm Street, Fischer Avenue, and Carolyn Coleman Way. Hop on any of the stops and when you want to stop at a shop, restaurant, or city park, jump off at your convenience. 

In addition to a ride down Elm Street, you can also brush up on your knowledge of Greensboro with the historical audio. Scan the QR code in front of your seat and learn about the history of the neighborhoods, the infamous Hamburger Square (which is decidedly not known for America’s favorite sandwich), and more about the city’s rich history. 

While you’re in the Triad check out this list of the highest rated bbq spots in Greensboro, or this community guide of (mostly) free activities in Winston-Salem!

A Long Awaited Community Project 

While the trolleys made their debut in June, the program has been in the works since 2019. 

Through participatory budgeting, (PB) the community of Greensboro voted to put a portion of the city budget towards the free transportation project. Residents have proposed and voted on city-funded community projects since 2014 when the Greensboro City Council authorized direct community involvement in city budgeting. 

If you want to be involved in Greensboro’s participatory budgeting, the PB Commission hosts a meeting every third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. Visit their page to get the Zoom link for their next meeting on Aug. 17.