Gatlinburg, TN is home to less than 10,000 residents, but don’t let the small-town size fool you. It's the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and this city welcomes more than 14 million visitors annually. That kind of volume would be overwhelming for most rural cities, but Gatlinburg has developed an excellent public transportation system, consisting of free trolley-style buses, to help transport residents and tourists.
Since launching its trolley service in 1980, Gatlinburg has grown its fleet and its infrastructure. In 2023 alone, the city transported over 783,000 people using its fleet of colorful trolleys, many handcrafted by our team at Hometown Manufacturing.
Public transit is a key part of the city’s experience. Free to ride, thoughtfully routed, and designed to reduce congestion, the Gatlinburg Trolley lets guests ditch the stress of traffic and parking. And when you’re surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Smoky Mountains, a front-row seat on a climate-controlled trolley is a welcome upgrade.
The team at Hometown Manufacturing is able to offer custom paint schemes, wood interiors, ADA-accessibility, and climate control.
This partnership is a great example of how a smart, well-scaled transit system can help high-traffic tourist areas grow sustainably.
