Ocean City has announced that its Boardwalk Tram Service will remain suspended through the upcoming summer season, as confirmed by town officials. The decision follows a fatal accident last year, where a 2-year-old boy was struck and killed by a tram vehicle. This incident occurred on August 20, near Dorchester Street, and ever since, the town has ceased tram operations, reported WBAL-TV.
The financial impact of this suspension is significant, with the town's 2026 fiscal budget revealing a revenue shortfall of $1,560,000 due to the loss of the tram service. Despite the tram not running, a considerable budget cut is not expected, as the projected annual tram expenses for the fiscal year 2026 stand at $439,751, down from the $475,160 normally allocated for tram worker salaries, as per information from WMAR-2 News.
In light of the tram’s closure, questions have been raised about a recent expenditure. The general government budget includes a puzzling $282,918 purchase for a Boardwalk Tram & Jeep. Yet, the town manager's office has kept details of the investigation and plans for the tram's future close to the vest, with police releasing very little information about the follow-up investigation since the accident occurred nearly eight months ago.
Ocean City Manager Terry McGean expressed that the tram service will not operate "until further notice" as the town assesses safety and financial concerns. According to a statement detailed by WBAL, McGean explained the shutdown stems from a need to evaluate after last summer's tragic event, which occurred along the 2.4-mile stretch the tram shares with pedestrian traffic.
