North Augusta Expands Free Trolley Service To Boost Masters Week Foot Traffic

North Augusta will run its free trolley from noon until 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday during Masters Week, starting April 6. This expanded schedule should help visitors get to downtown shops and the riverfront with less hassle.

The Downtown Merchants Alliance pitched the idea. They're part of North Augusta Forward, a nonprofit. Two years back, the city ran trolleys for women golfers competing in the Augusta National Women's Amateur.

"I think having a trolley that whole week is going to be great," said Mayor Briton Williams, per The Post and Courier.

Masters Week draws thousands. Hotels book solid. Private houses rent out rooms. Augusta Regional Airport quadruples its direct flights.

Service runs April 6-11 along the usual route. When Masters Week wraps up, trolleys return to their normal hours: noon to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, plus Third Thursdays from 5-8 p.m.

Jen Goldman coordinates tourism and marketing for the city. She says visitors should grab the Explore North Augusta app, which tracks the trolley in real time.

People can "have it all in one place," she said. "Local events and the community calendar, to city updates and facility rentals."

Women golfers competing in the Augusta National Women's Amateur will stay at the Crowne Plaza in North Augusta again. They do this every year. The tournament happens during Masters Week.

Rides cost nothing. The trolley links downtown stores with the Greeneway riverfront.

Williams said the timing lets North Augusta grab attention from a huge crowd. Pros tee off across the river while tourists check out what the area has to offer.