OCEAN CITY, Md. — The Ocean City Boardwalk tram service, a staple for visitors and residents alike, will not resume operations through the summer of 2025, Ocean City Manager Terry McGean announced. The decision follows a tragic accident last summer that claimed the life of a two-year-old boy, prompting the town to keep the service shuttered as it evaluates safety and financial implications.
The tram, which ferries passengers along the 2.5-mile boardwalk, has been out of service since the incident on August 20, 2024, when the toddler was fatally struck. According to the Southern Maryland Chronicle, the accident occurred near Dorchester Street, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit community. In the days that followed, residents and visitors left stuffed animals, flowers, and other tributes along the boardwalk to honor the child’s memory. The Ocean City Police Department investigated the incident, but no further details on the cause have been released as of April 2, 2025.
McGean said the town has no plans to restart the tram this year, citing both safety concerns and the need for a thorough review. “In terms of the lost revenue from the boardwalk trams, hopefully we can reestablish a boardwalk tram in the future,” he said. “But we know for this summer we’re not going to have them.” The tram service, which typically operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day, generates significant income for the town, with fares set at $5 per ride or $10 for an all-day pass, according to the official Ocean City website.
The closure has sparked mixed reactions. Shawn Barner, a frequent boardwalk visitor, expressed disappointment over the decision, noting the tram’s value to certain groups. “It’s a great thing for the senior citizens and people that have small children, babies, and don’t want to walk,” Barner said. He acknowledged the tragedy but suggested a path forward. “They should just put in a few more precautionary measures, take precautions with driving, obviously,” he added.
Financially, the absence of the tram is expected to strain the town’s budget. The Ocean City Council has proposed allocating an additional $1.5 million to the 2026 transportation budget to address the shortfall and explore options for the tram’s future. McGean indicated that discussions are ongoing about a potential relaunch in the summer of 2026, though no firm commitments have been made. “We’re looking at all possibilities,” he said, emphasizing the need to balance safety upgrades with operational costs.
The tram, introduced in 1965, has long been a convenient alternative to walking the bustling boardwalk, especially during peak tourist season. Its bright yellow cars, capable of carrying dozens of passengers at a time, are a familiar sight in the resort town, which sees millions of visitors annually, according to data from Visit Maryland. The service’s suspension marks the longest downtime in its nearly 60-year history.
For now, pedestrians will need to rely on foot travel or other transportation options, such as the town’s bus system, to navigate the boardwalk. The decision has left some wondering how the closure will affect the summer experience in 2025, particularly for families and elderly visitors who depended on the tram’s accessibility.
As Ocean City moves forward, the focus remains on ensuring such a tragedy never happens again. Whether the tram returns in 2026 will depend on the outcome of ongoing evaluations and community input. Until then, the boardwalk will feel a little quieter without the hum of its iconic trams.
I won’t be coming to OC Maryland this year or any other year as long as there is no tram. I rely on it to get up and down the board walk from the Holiday Inn Hotel on the board walk. I’m in my mid 60s and love OC Maryland. I love it so much I want to pass away there when my Time comes.