New ‘River Runner’ Aims To Make Bristol’s Business District More Convenient

There’s a new way to get around Bristol Borough’s central business district. It’s red, powered by an electric charge, and carries as many as eight people.

Bristol Borough: Raising the Bar recently unveiled the “River Runner” tram that will pick up anyone who wants a ride from seven designated pickup and dropoff spots. The Moto Electric Vehicles tram will travel in a one-mile loop will travel down Mill Street, onto the 100 block of Radcliffe Street and loop up Market Street before going through the parking lot, and down by the waterfront, said Bill Pezza, president of Bristol Borough: Raising the Bar.

“Every stop will put you half-a-block away from a [destination], whether its King George or the theater” Pezza said.

The River Runner is expected to operate Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

During the hours of operation, volunteers who have clean driving records and have been cleared by the borough will pick up passengers.

For volunteer River Runner driver Megan Hems of Hems Truck and Auto, her first few days as a driver have been great.

“My first shift, I had a family from Texas that came to visit the King George,” she said. “I think [the River Runner] will be a fun way for everyone to see our downtown.”

Pezza said he has been impressed by how many volunteers have put up their own time to keep the borough’s business community strong, heralding the strong volunteer support for the River Runner and the Centre for the Arts.

“I think the River Runner is a benefit to the town and will help move people around,” said Brian Adams, owner of TrainPops Attic on Mill Street.

Support to purchase the roughly $14,000 tram came from Visit Bucks County, Deluxe Corporation, private donations, and sponsorships from a number of borough businesses. Pezza said business sponsorships that will go on the River Runner sold out in three hours.

“So many people have seen this said, ‘isn’t that a good idea,’” Pezza said.

The River Runner has been in the works for months and runs on electric. Pezza said the tram even has a solar panel on its roof. When fully charged, it has a range of about 40 miles.

“The River Runner is the fun thing to do, but most importantly it’s for convenience,” Pezza said. “With our newfound popularity, it allows you park in the lot and get to where you want to go.”