MATA Celebrates 30th Anniversary
DALLAS, TEXAS – “Clang, clang, clang went the trolley!” Just as the reverie of these famous lyrics from The Trolley Song can spark a smile, Dallas’s vintage McKinney Avenue M-Line Trolleys – with their rich history, character, and charm – have been providing free rides to Dallasites and visitors, conjuring wonderful memories, and putting smiles on the faces of kids of all ages for 30 years.
30th Anniversary Events:
The McKinney Avenue Transit Authority (MATA) will launch its 30th Anniversary Year of Celebration at 3:00 pm on Thursday, March 7th for media, friends and supporters at the Uptown Station Turntable, 2700 Cityplace W Blvd, Dallas, TX 75204. Dignitaries including Mayor Mike Rawlings will participate. Additional highlights of the event will include the opening of a time capsule embedded almost 30 years ago in the wall of “Rosie”, MATA’s American-made Streetcar #122, the oldest continuously running trolley in North America.
A 2019 Time Capsule Contest will be announced welcoming on-line entries for the opportunity to contribute suggestions for the new 2019 time capsule, which will be embedded in the wall of Rosie, alongside the 1989 capsule. Entrants will be invited to propose their ideas of what messages to send our future Trolley riders and the Dallas community. One winner will be chosen by judges to be announced along with details of the contest.
On July 22, the Trolley’s birthday, Shake Shack in Uptown will feature the McKinney Avenue Trolley’s Donation Day. Just mention the Trolley at the register before you pay and Shake Shack will donate 25% of your meal price to the Trolley! Enjoy a burger and support the Trolley!
On Saturday, September 28th, everyone is invited to the free “Love the Trolleys Birthday Party” on Moody Plaza in Klyde Warren Park, featuring cake, music, trolleys, food trucks and entertainment,
Next, The Trolley Taste of Uptown will be held on October 3rd at The Crescent in Uptown, where the very first Trolley launch party took place, providing tastes of fine cuisine from restaurants on the Trolley line. Tickets will be available for purchase.
Ten-year-old trolley aficionado and expert, Oliver, named Honorary Motorman for the 25th Anniversary is enthusiastically back for the 30th. This year, he is joined by 14 Trolley Ambassadors, ages three to 16, to welcome guests at events and provide information on the trolleys. “We’re all excited about celebrating our 30th anniversary,” said Mr. Cobb. “Our resident Trolley Barn cat, Stone, who was born on the 4th of July, is looking forward to it too.
