Away they go! OLLI President Barbara Talento, right, joins other members of the organization for a ride on the new OLLI Trolley from Parking Lot G to the Ruby Gerontology Center. Photo by Kelly Lacefield

OLLI Trolley In Action

Service Will Assist Members to Reach Classes, Meetings

September 23, 2008

By Debra Cano Ramos

“Ride On!” was the rally cry for members of Cal State Fullerton’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Sept. 15 as they celebrated the establishment of the OLLI Trolley. Guests gathered around the “Trolley Stop” — a gazebo and benches located adjacent to Goodwin Field — before taking part in the inaugural ride.

The trolley, covered electrical carts driven by community service officers, will transport OLLI members between Parking Lot G north of Goodwin Field and the Ruby Gerontology Center where their meetings, classes and other programs are held.

Campus and OLLI officials have been working to establish the service that will be needed for less mobile OLLI members when construction begins in late December on the third phase of student housing (http://campusapps.fullerton.edu/news/Inside/2008/student-housing.html). The parking area adjacent to the facility will be part of the construction site and no longer available for parking.

In addition, the OCTA and OC Supervisor Chris Norby are involved with coordinating the campus transportation system with public transit service used by OLLI members to reach the campus.

This fall, the trolley will run Mondays-Thursdays 9:30-10:30 a.m., Noon-1:30 p.m. and 3-3:30 p.m. In the spring, the trolley will begin running at 8 a.m., according to OLLI President Barbara Talento.