By Sarah Fertsch
Summer in Wildwood wouldn’t be the same without the beloved tram cars gliding along the boardwalk. This year, they’re rolling in with a bold twist: bright yellow Ford Maverick hybrids are taking the reins for the 77th season.
While the look may be unfamiliar, the iconic “Watch the tram car, please” chime remains delightfully intact.
The new Ford Maverick hybrids, unveiled last weekend, represent a shift toward more sustainable and cost-effective operations. Purchased by the Wildwoods Boardwalk Special Improvement District, the hybrids replace the aging fleet of uniquely shaped vehicles that have delighted generations of visitors.
The transition aims to preserve the tram car tradition while adapting to contemporary needs. Officials emphasized that the use of the Maverick pickups is part of a test, and it’s unclear whether they will become a permanent fixture.
Among the options considered was the construction of custom-built replicas of the existing tram cars to maintain their classic appearance. However, an engineering analysis found that the high upfront cost and significant operational limitations made replicas unaffordable and impractical.
“After an exhaustive engineering analysis, the upfront cost to construct these units, along with significant operational limitations compared to the current tram cars, made replicas unaffordable and impractical,” the Wildwoods SID said in a statement.
The Ford Maverick hybrid, with a starting price around $35,000 and towing capacity sufficient for the tram trailers, was chosen as a practical and readily available alternative.
The tram cars hold a cherished place in Wildwood’s history. They first gained national attention in 1939 at the World’s Fair in Flushing Meadows, New York, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt inaugurated the event. A decade later, they found a permanent home on the Wildwood Boardwalk and quickly became a quintessential part of the Jersey Shore experience.
While many have welcomed the modernization, some fans have voiced their disappointment on social media, lamenting the loss of the nostalgic look of the original tram cars. Wildwood officials, however, remain optimistic that the hybrid pickups will offer a smoother and more reliable ride.
Tram car service resumes this weekend, with rides operating Saturdays and Sundays beginning at noon. The fare is $5 per person. The schedule aligns with the weekend operations of Morey’s Piers, a longtime staple of Wildwood’s entertainment scene.
As Wildwood kicks off the summer of 2025, the updated tram cars promise to preserve the spirit of the boardwalk while steering toward a more sustainable future.
