Grand Trolley Reveal
Published on November 10, 2026
Six new trolleys debut alongside contest winners
The Woodlands Township officially unveiled six new Town Center Trolleys on Saturday, November 7, 2026, during a community celebration along The Woodlands Waterway near The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. The Grand Trolley Reveal introduced the new fleet, celebrated the community members whose submissions inspired the trolley names and recognized 12 talented young artists from the Trolley Coloring Contest.
"These trolleys are more than transportation. They provide a welcoming first impression for visitors, a convenient connection for residents and a fun way for families to experience The Woodlands together," said Township Chairman Brad Bailey.
The new trolleys are designed to provide dependable, convenient transportation for years to come. Each features low-entry access for passengers using wheelchairs and other mobility devices, permanent rear windows and improved air conditioning.
The new trolleys also feature updated exterior graphics designed in-house by Perry Frank, senior communications specialist for The Woodlands Township. The designs give the new fleet a fresh, distinctive look while reflecting the character of The Woodlands along with the Township brand.
Residents and visitors attending the celebration had the opportunity to see the new vehicles up close, meet the trolley drivers, celebrate the contest winners and take the first rides aboard the new fleet.
Meet the New Trolley Fleet
At the event, Township Director of Transportation Ruthanne Haut introduced the new fleet:
- Trolley No. 2501 – Dolly, driven by Kelly Smith, Trolley Supervisor
- Trolley No. 2502 – Molly, driven by Roger Warren
- Trolley No. 2503 – Jolly, driven by Jesse Blackwell
- Trolley No. 2504 – Lolly, driven by Shon Youens
- Trolley No. 2505 – Holly, driven by Lisa Howard
- Trolley No. 2506 – George, driven by Clint Finch
The names were selected through the Township's Trolley Naming Contest, which invited residents to submit ideas reflecting the vision of community founder George P. Mitchell. Following the submission period, entries were grouped into categories and residents voted for their favorite. The winning category, "Rhyming Names, Plus George," inspired the six names now featured on the new fleet.
Twenty winning submissions were represented in the selected category. The Township recognized the following Trolley Naming Contest winners:
Alan Foster; Mark Pine; Sarah Miller and Theodore Miller; Calah, Abigail and Lily Hudson; Marlene Hoffheiser; Marilynn Hopman; Andrew and Carol Catanzaro; Ann Sever; Michelle Duran; Sonia and Natalie Sharples; Michael Corley; Genevieve Saffron; Susan Stern; San West; Stephanie Wolfe-Cho and Josiah Cho; Chuck Hoffheiser; Charlene Phillips; Stephen Berry; David and Sadie Wright; and Vanessa Voisinet.
Congratulations to all the winners and everyone who submitted an idea or participated in the community vote!
Celebrating Young Artists
The Grand Trolley Reveal also recognized 12 young artists whose creativity brought the Town Center Trolley to life through the Trolley Coloring Contest. Entries were judged in four age groups, with first-, second- and third-place winners selected in each category. Winners received their artwork commemorated on canvas.
Age Group 0–3
- First Place: Kacey Ballou
- Second Place: Brook Ulk
- Third Place: Ella Fox
Age Group 4–7
- First Place: Elise Koarcher
- Second Place: Sebastian Ojea Espil
- Third Place: Dean Gonzalez
Age Group 8–11
- First Place: Vrinda Vinesh
- Second Place: Angelyn Anup
- Third Place: Oliver Gonzalez
Age Group 12–15
- First Place: Marcelo Jimenez
- Second Place: Anderson John Grant
- Third Place: Mackenzie Bodden
Congratulations to all 12 winners for sharing their artistic talents and creativity!
For contest winners who were not able to attend or did not receive their prizes, please contact the Township Transportation department at 281-210-3800 to arrange to receive your prize.
The event concluded with Township Transportation Director Ruthanne Haut, accompanied by Township Trolley Supervisor Kelly Smith, ringing a ceremonial trolley bell.
Ride the Trolleys for Free
The new trolleys are now in service and normally operate seven days a week, with schedule and route adjustments made for special events.
For almost 20 years, the Town Center Trolley has provided residents and visitors with a free and convenient way to explore The Woodlands. Traveling an approximately 4.5-mile route, the service connects The Woodlands Mall, Market Street, Town Center, The Woodlands Waterway and Hughes Landing. Additional stops added in March 2025 provide convenient connections to event parking and Riva Row Boathouse.
Both the existing and new trolleys operate on propane, a cleaner-burning alternative to traditional gasoline and diesel fuels. Propane produces fewer harmful emissions helping improve air quality and reduce the environmental impact of our transportation services.
Whether commuting, attending a concert, visiting a restaurant, shopping or enjoying a day along The Woodlands Waterway, residents and visitors are invited to climb aboard Dolly, Molly, Jolly, Lolly, Holly or George and enjoy the ride!
For trolley routes, schedules and real-time tracking, visit woodlandstransit.com/Trolleys.