The Late Loop trolley returned Thursday to Ball State University with a different route to offer a safer night life, but riders will have to pay a fare.
Mary Gaston, Muncie Indiana Transit System assistant general manager, said the route now includes another block north of University Avenue.
"The rest of the route is the exact same as last year," she said.
After the first six weeks of service, the trolley will charge $1 to riders in order to cover costs, Gaston said.
Doc's Music Hall owner Mike Martin said Muncie businesses will fund the trolley for the first six weeks, but afterward, they hope it becomes a self-sustaining enterprise.
"We're trying to get it off the ground and get its sea legs," said Martin. "It's not only for bars but for working late at night. I hope people can see that and use it."
Gaston said it is uncertain how people will react to the $1 fare.
If the costs outweigh the profits, the Late Loop will have to close, she said.
"Ridership was still growing when we ended in the spring," said Gaston "We're hoping to have good numbers. I don't know what to expect. It might affect it, but I don't know how much."
In the five-week trial run last spring, the Late Loop Trolley had more than 5,000 passengers, she said.
Martin believes a $1 charge should not concern students and other riders.
"A dollar to ride is $6 cheaper than a taxi and, you know, if you get into trouble one time, a dollar is nothing," he said. "You can't even get anywhere on a dollar of gas."
Michael Huber, shift leader and manager at The Locker Room, said the cost might deter riders at first but said it is worth avoiding trouble.
"A dollar is a lot cheaper than a DUI charge," he said. "A dollar doesn't seem much to me after all the money people pay for drinks."
Martin also said businesses still plan to do promotional nights like a token night at bars, which allows passengers to ride for free.
Martin said a sponsor could reduce or eliminate the need for a fare.
Gaston said the Late Loop was a combined effort of students, local merchants and MITS.
"Well, the Late Loop is a project that came to us by students and merchants, and we're happy to work with them on that," said Gaston.
Huber said the service saves the bars' employees time because they don't have to help patrons get home.
"Its been more convenient because we haven't had to call for a taxi as often and its been a great help," he said.
Martin said other Muncie businesses, such as Sunkiss Tanning and Practice Insurance, contributed to the Late Loop.
"We do need 10 more businesses to contribute in order to keep these six weeks entirely free," he said. "A one time donation of $250 per business will pay for running the trolley one night."
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