OCEAN CITY, Md. — In August 2024, a tragic accident changed the future of transportation on Ocean City’s Boardwalk when a 2-year-old boy was hit and killed by a town-operated tram. Following the accident, officials permanently banned trams from operating along the Boardwalk.
Now, town leaders are looking at a new option to fill that gap.
On Tuesday, the Ocean City Council directed staff to issue a Request for Proposals for a seasonal pedicab franchise along the Boardwalk, creating a new on-demand transportation option for residents and visitors.
Under the plan, the town would select a single operator to run at least 20 pedicabs, including units capable of accommodating wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers, confined strictly to the Boardwalk from the Inlet to 27th Street. The service would operate seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day and could potentially fill the route left vacant when the Boardwalk tram system was discontinued.
Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan acknowledged the challenge of replacing the former tram system. “it's going to be hard to replace the tram in terms of volume, but we think this is the step in the right direction”
According to Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan, pedicabs similar to these could operate on the Boardwalk.
According to town officials, pedicabs similar to these could operate on the Boardwalk
The pedicab program is expected to operate as a demand-response system, allowing riders to request point-to-point trips via a mobile app. Operators would provide vehicles, drivers, and all resources necessary to meet the town’s service schedule, while also following federal, state, and local regulations.
Tom Esola, who regularly walks the Boardwalk, said he supports adding a new transportation option for those who may struggle with the more than two-mile stretch.
Council action only authorized staff to begin the bidding process; no operator has been selected. According to Mayor Meehan, if a company is selected in time, pedicabs could begin operating as soon as this summer.