The McKinney Avenue Trolleys in Dallas

Clang, clang, sip, sip, shop, shop? Uptown Dallas, the hipster hangout filled with hot places to dine, swill, and spend, has some old-school cool transportation. Five charming trolleys wind a 3.9-mile path through the neighborhood. Dallasites and tourists both rely on these vintage streetcars to connect the dots between nightlife, galleries, and residences. This free service is definitely more fun than hunting for a parking spot, especially in lovely weather. There are a few trolley insider secrets, however, that even locals may not know:

Each car has its own personality.
The Mc Kinney Avenue Transit Authority (MATA) meticulously restores and maintains these unique cars. Take a ride on petite Petunia or The Green Dragon. Red “Rosie” was built in 1909, and has been lovingly refurbished. Built in 1945, boxy “Winnie” resembles a Winnebago. The 21-ton “Green Dragon” was so named by students, as it once ran down McKinney Avenue on the SMU line. “Matilda,” built in Melbourne in 1925, is the largest of the fleet – over 48 feet long with three compartments. Sweet “Petunia” ran in Dallas until 1947, and then served as a residence on a Texas ranch for 30 years before restoration.

Riders can “Dine-A-Round.”
Social butterflies can mix, mingle, and nosh with a one-of-a-kind chauffered car. Each month, thirty riders board a trolley at City Place Station for a memorable night. Three popular Uptown restaurants are on the itinerary: one for appetizers, one for the entr�©e, and one for desert. Riders enjoy wine and new friends as the vintage car travels to each stop.

Private trolleys are available.
Don’t get any naughty ideas! The MATA trolleys can be rented for parties for children or grown-ups. Celebrate birthdays, company milestones, and more. They can also be chartered for a private ride to a romantic dinner.

A new car is on its way!
Soon joining the Uptown fleet is a streetcar-like electric vehicle, known in trolley speak as an interurban. “The Morning Star” is being transformed from a 1930’s interurban motor into a classic dining car. The blue and cream Morning Star will integrate the leaded glass windows of the 1912 sanctuary of downtown’s First Presbyterian Church. Once completed by generous volunteers, the car will feature air-conditioning, a permanent bar, and dinner seating for thirty, as well as lovely design elements like intricate mahogany and light cherry interior woodwork. Diners will be able to enjoy reservations-only dinner three nights a week or private charters.

All aboard!