Lolley and Jones both said that would not happen. They said the federal government reimburses the city for half its operation costs, so the trolley service would not compete with the other programs for money.

Another council member, Benjamin Rosenberg, said the city could buy 25,000 more cab rides for the money it would spend on trolley service. He and Scearce said some people need the help of the cab driver to get in and out of a vehicle, and manage groceries and packages. They asked whether that help is available on the trolley.

Jones said the city has only about 150 riders in its cab coupon program, including workers at Joplin Workshops. Though there are no figures on how many individuals use the trolley, an average of 1,377 rides a month is given on the current trolley.

Rosenberg asked whether the survey was scientifically tested. The city staff said it wasn’t.

Councilman Phil Stinnett asked whether the council would be “spending money in the right place” by expanding the trolley service and getting more into public transportation. He questioned whether the system could provide adequate waiting and transfer stations for that type of venture.

More benches and stops are proposed by Lolley in the expansion.

Mayor Gary Shaw asked if the council thought it needed more information to advance the proposal to a formal vote. Some council members said they did need more information, and some said they weren’t convinced that trolley service is the answer for public transportation.

Rosenberg made a motion to accept the proposal. Jim West seconded. They along with Shaw, Melodee Colbert-Kean and Morris Glaze voted in favor of advancing the plan to a formal vote. Stinnett, Scearce, Jon Tupper and Mike Woolston voted “no.”

Fees and fares

Offering trolley service to most areas of the city would cause fares to change for the trolley and for MAPS. MAPS curb-to-curb service would go from $2 to $4. Regular trolley fare would remain at $1. “Deviated” service, with pickup at a home or a location other than a trolley stop, would cost $2, with children 11 and younger riding for free. A half-fare program would be offered to seniors, disabled people and those who qualify for Medicare.