Salem Trolley — Local services in Salem

I HOPE THE OWNERS READ THIS REVIEW ABOUT THEIR RUDE EMPLOYEES: We have taken the Salem Trolley tour different times throughout the years. The Christmas Carol over the holidays is great! That is the best.

Today was the absolute worst experience we've ever had with the trolley. It was because of the people who work there. From the rude man sold us our tickets, to the driver/guide finishing the tour.

We were on one tour bus for about 20 minutes when suddenly we pulled back up to the corner where the rude salesman sold us our tickets. We had to transfer to another bus, that meant waiting AGAIN. There was no mechanical problem with the bus, or any issues with the driver.

Apparently they wanted the driver to take a break. She seemed very confused about why they wanted her to take a break. TOTAL UNORGANIZATION and not customer service friendly at all.

As we stood waiting, the rude man who sold us the tickets and other workers were standing nearby bad-mouthing the driver that they made go on a break. None of us needed to hear this.

The driver was in such a big hurry and seemed anxious to get us off the bus, driving so fast that we could barely snap any pictures as we nearly bounced off our seats on that bus. What a disappointment!

By the time we waited for the bus, had to transfer, bounce around on a bus going so fast, and was treated so rudely we did not even enjoy the tour, sadly ☹️

Upon exiting the bus the narrator didn't even thank us or tell us to have a good day or anything, he just made an announcement that he'd appreciate tips so he could go drink after work.

These people for the 2 pm trolley today were so unprofessional, sloppy, and not very informative at all. Downright rude.

We've done these tours in the past, but NEVER had such rude people with bad attitudes as all of these people have that work there.

The trolley tour would be really exceptional if they had the right people to work there. We have had great experiences and fun during these tours, and we feel bad for the people who had this as their first experience. They will probably not come back.

Every single one of these people that we had the unfortunate experience of interacting with today, seemed to have an attitude that they could care less whether or not we bought tickets, took the tour, or were even there.

The guide kept making remarks to everyone about how close the sites were to see from where we bought the tickets. It made us feel as if he didn't even want any of us to bother them by taking the trolley. (We spoke to others who said they felt the same way.)

The trolley tour used to be good, but not with the people who worked this afternoon. They did not do the Salem Trolley tour justice at all.

Hopefully changes are made with these workers, as this is not the experience I have ever had with Salem Trolley.

The customer service was the worst ever today! No excuses. If you work here with the public, customer service...

Very disappointed in the Salem Trolley. My husband and I got to Salem around 12:30 PM to find a long line waiting for the trolley, we didn't mind, we knew that it would be worth it. I did however think that since it was October there would be more than 2 trolley's running, I do not think that there was. Upon arriving I made sure that I read my tickets that I pre-purchased just to make sure that we were at the right spot and took notice that the bottom of the ticket said "Please present an electronic or printed copy of your e-ticket/receipt, or a valid photo ID with your confirmation number when boarding trolley". So, we waited in line for about 30 minutes.. in which time 2 trolleys came and dropped off one or two couples, and one or two couples would board * they say that you can have an hour tour, then ride the trolley on and off all day, which is wonderful but they NEED to have 2 separate types of trolleys because unfortunately some people take advantage of this and stay on for quite some time, making it difficult for the people in line to make it on the trolley within an hour of waiting in line* ANYWAYS, once the trolley finally came and my husband and I were about to get on I show my printed off ticket to the man who worked at the trolley, he looked at it and said that I would need to get a ticket, I told him that I had it on my phone and that it said I could use this as proof since I was boarding the trolley, all that to say I was asked to go to a lady who was selling tickets to people who had not pre-purchased their tickets, she asked me to wait, I missed the trolley, and we didn't want to miss any other tours that day so basically we wasted $38. I am usually one not to complain but when I read the instructions, wait in line for close to 45 minutes, it gets a little frustrating when I have to go to the ticket counter for people who are purchasing new tickets. I am VERY sad we didn't get to ride the trolley and I hope that they soon realize that in October they need multiple trolleys, a few for the hour tour, and a few for the hop on and off...

I'm a Salem resident and I am on a mission to tour all the local attractions.

About the Salem Trolley:

It offers 1 hour tours that start on Essex Street outside the Armory at the Revere Bell. They don't have a permanent ticket booth, but a pop-up table during their business hours. Once aboard, a tour guide will tell you all about local history and landmarks. The tour presently is NOT hop-on hop-off and you will be back on Essex Street at the end of it. In my understanding, all tours start on the hour (10am, 11am etc).

We took the first tour of the day, at 10am on a Wednesday in May, and it worked out great because the trolley was not crowded at all! I think we were around a dozen people. The trolley first goes across downtown, slowing down (traffic permitting) in front of historic buildings and landmarks like the Peabody Essex Museum, the Charter Street Cemetery etc, then it goes to Winter Island and the Willows for scenic views. It ends driving across the McIntire district.

I must say I really liked our guide today! She provided a mix of Salem history, folklore and fun facts in a pleasant, friendly and fun way and with a great flow. The hour just flew by.

PROs This is a great way to explore Salem in a "quick" way especially if you are here for a limited time and don't have a car to go around yourself. It's relaxing and very informative.

CONs Just some considerations about October and peak season: Essex Street and all its attractions can be overwhelming busy that time of the year....