San Antonio has launched a new, free ride around downtown with San AntoniGO, an all-electric trolley service aimed to reduce carbon footprint and connect people to various attractions. Kevin Mancha and his wife, who also run a paid Vespa-powered sidecar service, spotted the gap in the market and took action. "We started noticing with our travels that these kind of models exist elsewhere and we wanted to bring that to San Antonio," Kevin Mancha explained, as reported by Texas Public Radio.
The electric trolleys can hold up to six passengers and come equipped with LED lights and music, creating an enjoyable transit experience. Although it's free, the service operators are open for tips. People looking for a convenient lift through areas like the Pearl and Southtown can text for pickup, a handy option for tourists and residents alike. According to Fox San Antonio, the Manchas see the venture as a sustainable solution for last-mile travel needs in the city.
With an aim to broaden the fleet and the route coverage, SaGO offers a greener alternative for local commutes. "What we really want to do is move people around," Liz Mancha told Texas Public Radio. "Students, tourists, locals… move people around the downtown area." As San Antonio's small business sector is a critical component of the city's economy, the Mancha's initiative also creates job opportunities, supporting the community in more ways than one.
Kicking off with five trolleys, the Manchas hope to catch the city's eye for a collaboration, extending the service's reach. Kevin Mancha said in a statement acquired by Fox San Antonio, "We know it’s needed its desired and so we hope to be able to speak with the city to be able to offer that and extend that service to everybody and get it really all inclusive." Whether it's a ride to a restaurant or a commute to a historic district, the electric trolley service presents an innovative, fun, and eco-friendly way to navigate San Antonio’s bustling downtown.
