Wildwood’s Historic Sightseer Trams Get Modern Update with Ford Pickup
Visitors to Wildwood, New Jersey, might soon see a different vehicle pulling the popular Sightseer Trams along the boardwalk this summer. The traditional tram cars, which have been in operation since 1949, are being joined by a Ford Maverick Hybrid pickup truck. The new addition is part of a test to find a more cost-effective and efficient solution for the aging fleet.
The Ford pickup will be one of nine tram cars used this summer, offering a cheaper alternative to purchasing all-new electric replicas. According to Patrick Rosenello of the Wildwoods Boardwalk Special Improvement District, “It’s a test, and we’ve tried several different options over the years. We haven’t settled on one yet. This is something we think is promising.”
However, not everyone is convinced. Kim Masson, a North Wildwood property owner, expressed skepticism, saying, “They can try it out, but I really think that you really need to keep what’s here.”
The introduction of the Ford pickup isn’t the only controversy surrounding the Sightseer Trams. The voice of Floss Stingel, heard in the tram’s “Watch the tram car, please” warning, is currently suing for compensation, claiming her voice has been used for marketing purposes and merchandise without proper compensation. Rosenello stated, “I would doubt that there will be a resolution for that lawsuit during this summer. And until there is a resolution… We’re going to continue to use the voice.”
In a separate incident, a contractor’s flatbed truck broke through the boardwalk’s wooden planks on Thursday, leaving significant damage. The crash was captured by a nearby surveillance camera and caused concern among bystanders. Gene and Trish Deppen described the sound as “like a building collapsing.” Rosenello attributed the incident to an “honest mistake that occurred” when the truck went past a vehicle ramp and into a section not designed to support its weight. Repairs are scheduled to begin next week.
