Trolley Talk: Ellicott City Launches Throwback Transit with Modern Twist

All aboard, Ellicott City! Nearly 70 years after trolleys vanished from Main Street, Howard County is reviving the vibe with a free weekend shuttle service starting this Saturday. Modeled after the beloved No. 9 line, the new “trolleys” (OK, they’re buses, but go with it) will run from the top of Main Street to Parking Lot A in Oella every 10–15 minutes, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. They’ll ease mobility challenges on EC’s steep streets and link to Route 40 bus service. The pilot program runs through June 2026, with the county hoping it’ll become a permanent fixture.