Friday, April 21, 2023 / by Teresa DiPeso
Wildwoods Boardwalk Tram Car Enters 75th Summer
The world famous Wildwoods Boardwalk Sightseer Tram Cars are rolling into their 75th consecutive summer in 2023.
This year marks the Diamond Jubilee 75th anniversary that these electric people-movers will traverse the Wildwoods Boardwalk, announcing their iconic audible warning, "Watch the Tram Car, Please!"
For three quarters of a century, as the waves crash against the shore, the Tram Cars have played a leading role on the Boardwalk's unrivaled stage. The Tram Cars are the heartbeat of the Wildwoods Boardwalk, and the very essence of the Wildwoods itself. Each year, they take hundreds of thousands of visitors on a journey of discovery, gliding along the Boardwalk's array of sights, sounds and delicious smells.
The original Tram Cars were custom built for the 1939 World's Fair in Flushing, New York. First introduced on the Wildwoods Boardwalk by local businessman Gilbert Ramagosa on June 11, 1949, with a one-way fare of 10 cents, the Tram Cars are an iconic part of the Wildwoods Boardwalk experience, transporting guests along the two-and-a-half mile promenade.
Today's Tram Cars, as well as the original 1939 Trams, are environmentally friendly, running on a 2,000-pound electric battery with power and lasting up to 12 hours on a single charge.
From the thrill of the rides to the salty sea air, the sights and sounds of the Boardwalk are truly something to behold. And what better way to experience them all than aboard one of the delightful Tram Cars, that remain a true icon of the Wildwoods.
Currently operated by the private, non-profit, Wildwoods Boardwalk Special Improvement District, Management Corporation (WSID) since 2003, the Tram Cars continue to be one of the most recognizable icons in New Jersey.
"The property and business owners who stepped up to make sure the Tram Cars would continue to serve the Wildwoods Boardwalk are proud that we have been able to keep this tradition rolling on our great Boardwalk," said Ken Schwartz, President of WSID and a third-generation Boardwalk property owner.
The one-way full price fare in 2023 is $5. An unlimited "Hop On/Hop Off" wristband is available for rides up to 5 pm for $13. Ticket books may also be purchased: $23 for a 5-ticket book/ $44 for a 10-ticket book; and $95 for a 25-ticket book.
Discounted ticket books and wrist bands are available at six locations on the Wildwoods Boardwalk.
For cashless and touchless Tram Car transactions, download the Wildwood Tram Car App from the Apple App Store or Google Play and receive the first ride FREE when purchasing Tram Car rides.
