Ocean City Maryland Permanently Retires Its Boardwalk Trams
Before we dive into this story, please know that this is for Ocean City, Maryland and NOT Ocean City, New Jersey. (we will talk about what this means for us in NJ at the bottom)
The clanging bells and slow hum of Ocean City Maryland’s boardwalk trams, a beloved summer staple since 1964, will not return.
Ocean City Maryland Permanently Retires Its Boardwalk Trams
City Manager Terry McGean confirmed this week that the town has decided to permanently end the service following the death of a two-year-old boy who was struck by a tram in August 2024.
The fatal accident, which occurred near Worcester Street, deeply shook the resort community and led to the suspension of tram operations for the remainder of the season.
After months of internal review, McGean said the town concluded that continuing the service in its current form was no longer viable.
“The town acknowledges the long-standing tradition and the fond memories many residents and visitors have of The Boardwalk tram,” McGean said in a statement to WBOC. “However, after thoughtful review and extensive discussion, the trams will not return in their previous form.
“That said, the town is actively exploring ways to reimagine The Boardwalk without the trams, and the goal is to introduce new attractions and experiences to connect visitors along The Boardwalk in a safe and enjoyable way.”
The decision effectively ends a six-decade chapter of Ocean City Maryland’s summer identity. The first introduced in 1964, carried millions of riders between the Inlet and 27th Street. They were more than a mode of transportation; they were a moving emblem of the beach town itself, often packed with families and tourists clutching popcorn or saltwater taffy, the sound of the tram bell mixing with laughter and seagulls overhead.
Balancing Tradition and Safety
For decades, the trams operated largely without incident, threading through crowds of beachgoers along the wooden boards. But as the boardwalk grew more congested with scooters, bicycles, and foot traffic, concerns about safety mounted. The 2024 tragedy, the first fatal accident involving a tram in memory, brought those concerns into stark relief.
City officials faced an emotional debate in the aftermath. Some residents called for increased safety measures, including reduced speeds and dedicated lanes. Others said it was time to retire the trams altogether, arguing that the boardwalk’s growing crowds made motorized travel untenable.
McGean’s statement suggests the city is seeking a middle ground, preserving the boardwalk’s connective experience while removing the risks that come with vehicles weaving through pedestrians. Officials have not yet detailed what form those “new attractions and experiences” might take.
How does this mean for New Jersey’s Trams?
One of the main reasons why we are writing this article is because we had many people reach out to us in regards to how this will affect the Wildwood Boardwalk trams or tramcars in general across the state of New Jersey.
To be clear, Ocean City’s decision does not impact the Wildwood tramcars.
Also See: Splash Zone Waterpark in Wildwood Closes After 26 Years
The two operations are entirely separate. Ocean City’s boardwalk tram system was owned and operated by the town itself, while the Wildwood tramcars are privately operated under the Sightseer Tramcar Company, which has been running the service since 1949.
The Ocean City trams and the Wildwood tramcars may look similar and serve the same purpose of helping visitors travel along the boardwalk, but they are different entities with different management and safety protocols.
Wildwood’s tramcars, for example, run on a wider boardwalk and have designated routes with clear markings, spotters, and drivers who undergo annual safety training before each season begins.
Still, Ocean City’s decision has sparked an emotional conversation about the role of trams on crowded boardwalks up and down the East Coast. Some residents in Ocean City have argued that the time for motorized vehicles on pedestrian boardwalks has passed, while others see the trams as a vital part of the tourism experience a nostalgic link to family vacations of the past.
In Wildwood, the tramcars remain a deeply rooted tradition. The familiar “Watch the Tramcar Please” announcement has become part of the town’s identity, recognized by generations of visitors and even celebrated in merchandise, music, and social media.
Each summer, the trams carry thousands of riders from Cresse Avenue in Wildwood Crest all the way to 16th Street in North Wildwood, providing not just transportation but a sense of continuity and community.
While safety is always a top priority, there have been no indications that Wildwood plans to change or suspend its service.
In fact, the tramcars continue to be one of the longest-running attractions on the boardwalk, adapting over time with new technology, maintenance upgrades, and operational adjustments to ensure safety while preserving their classic charm.