Ocean City officials have voted to permanently discontinue the town’s iconic Boardwalk Tram service, ending a decades-long tradition that transported visitors along the busy oceanfront strip each summer. The decision follows a months-long suspension of tram operations after a tragic August 2024 incident in which a 2-year-old boy was struck and killed by one of the trams near Dorchester Street.
The tram, which typically ran from the Inlet to 27th Street, had been a staple of Ocean City’s summer experience for generations, offering an easy way for beachgoers to travel the length of the boardwalk. Following the fatal incident, town leaders temporarily halted service to conduct a full safety review. Earlier this week, after consulting with engineers, legal advisors, and the town’s public works department, the Mayor and Council voted to permanently retire the service, citing ongoing safety, liability, and operational concerns.
“This decision was not made lightly,” an Ocean City spokesperson told WMAR-2 News in a statement. “The Town acknowledges the long-standing tradition and the fond memories many residents and visitors have of the Boardwalk tram, however after thoughtful review and extensive discussion, the trams will not return in their previous form.”
The town’s evaluation reportedly found that even with significant investment, the hazards associated with operating motorized vehicles among dense pedestrian crowds were too great to justify bringing the tram back.
The tram’s discontinuation will also impact the town’s transportation and tourism budgets. Ocean City’s public works department noted that the tram generated revenue but also carried substantial costs, including staffing, maintenance, and insurance. Future budgets will account for the loss of that income and the reallocation of funds to other mobility or safety initiatives along the boardwalk.
While the move has been met with understanding from some residents, many visitors expressed sadness over the loss of a nostalgic part of their summer tradition. The tram was particularly valued by families with small children, seniors, and those with limited mobility who relied on it to access the full length of the boardwalk.
Town officials have not ruled out exploring alternative transportation options in the future, such as smaller electric shuttles or designated pedestrian-assist systems, but confirmed that the current Boardwalk Tram will not return. For now, Ocean City’s famous boardwalk will continue to welcome visitors on foot — without one of its most familiar sights and sounds.
