What entity should operate a heritage trolley line?
Some heritage trolley routes (as in San Francisco, Seattle, New Orleans, Philadelphia, or Memphis) are operated as regular transit routes by the local transit system. In other cases, the line is operated by another entity, usually a nonprofit, in cooperation with the transit agency and municipal authorities. There are advantages and disadvantages to each approach, and careful thought needs to be given to the appropriate approach for planned systems. If a heritage line is operated by the transit agency then funding for capital and operating needs can be obtained as part of the normal transit funding process. Also, integration of schedules and fares will be easiest if the line is part of the organization providing other local transit. On the other hand, the heritage system will also then be subject to the normal budget process, including cutbacks at times of budget constraints. If a heritage line is operated by a nonprofit, then securing tax deductible donations and volunteer labor may b
