Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I reserve a vehicle?
A: We’re on a first come, first served basis. A vehicle isn’t reserved for you until we receive a signed contract with your credit card information for the non-refundable deposit. Once we receive your completed contract and payment we will reserve the vehicle for you and email you a formal confirmation with a reservation number and a receipt for the payment. You can scan and email the completed contract to us. Our email address is info@windycitytrolley.com If the requested vehicle is still available, you will then receive an email with your confirmation and receipt of payment. For the charter contract, click here. For weddings, click here. For terms and conditions, click here

Q: What is the best way to reserve?
A: In order to remain efficient and affordable we recommend you make a reservation online. After filling out the form, if the reservation time is available you will receive a confirmation within 48 hours. Upon our confirming the reservation you will be asked for 30% deposit on your reservation. Final Balance is due prior to the event date (see contract).

Q: Is there a minimum amount of rental hours?
A: Yes, we do have a minimum rental of 3 consecutive hours.

Q: Do the trolleys operate all year around?
A: Yes, they are fully heated and air conditioned (see below) and operate the same as any other type of bus.

Q: What’s included in your rates? Are there additional fees for gas, city taxes or travel times to/from the garage?
A: Our rates mainly depend on the total amount of consecutive time of your rental on that specific date. The time starts when we ARRIVE at your initial pick-up location. All of our rates include every cost EXCEPT; *Driver’s gratuity – Which is at your discretion… See below. * A possible clean-up fee may apply for significant messes… See below.

Q: What is the typical amount given for driver’s gratuity?
A: We normally suggest 10-20% for most events

Q: Can food and drinks be brought on board the vehicles?
A: We do allow drinks on board our vehicles however; We DO NOT provide Coolers. NO Glass bottles. Champagne is the exception for a wedding. No food allowed.

Alcohol/Beer/Wine Policy
Should your charter include alcohol consumption within in the City of Chicago, a security guard must ride on the trolley with your group and there is an additional fee for this service. An emailed copy of the ordinance can be provided.

Q: What is the clean-up fee for?
A: We know there will be spillage of drinks and this clean-up fee is applied if the vehicle needs significant cleaning after the job has finished.

Q: Can the trolley cars go on the highways?
A: Yes our trolley cars can access highways and travel at the same speeds just as any regular bus can.

Q: Do all of the vehicles have the same interior/exterior design?
A: All of our trolley cars are identical inside and out.

  • Exterior Colors are Red & Green
  • Seating for up to 30 Guests
  • Air Conditioned and Heated (see contract disclaimer below)
  • Oak Benches that are Forward Facing
  • Wheelchair Lift 
  • AM/FM with C.D. & Auxiliary connection (Must supply your own cable)

Q: Are your vehicles air-conditioned/heated?
A: Windy City Trolley, Inc. trolleys do come equipped with AC units; however WCT will not guarantee complete AC satisfaction for your charter. For trolleys, air conditioned air does not circulate like a leisure bus, limo or standard car. Trolleys are not designed to sustain full AC capabilities like other vehicles.  Windy City Trolley does not guarantee that the AC unit will provide the level of comfort that the client may desire.  Windy City Trolley, Inc. will not refund any payment due to the dissatisfaction of the temperature from the AC inside of the vehicle.

Q: Are standees permitted?
A: No standees are permitted while the vehicle is moving.

Q: Is there accessibility to play music?
A: Yes, AM/FM radio & Auxiliary connection (Must supply your own cable) 

Q: Are there seatbelts on your trolley cars?
A: Our trolley cars do not have seatbelts.

Q: Are your vehicles wheelchair accessible?
A: Certain vehicles please confirm with booking agent if vehicle is available.

Q: Can we bring our own decorations for the trolley?
A: We do allow decorations however, limitations apply. You can decorate the trolley when it arrives at your initial pick-up, no earlier. We also require you to use painters tape only. No staples, other tape or glue can be used. We also restrict covering certain windows and any exterior lighting for safety reasons. 

Q: Can we make signs to go on the outsides of the trolleys?
A: Yes

Q: What types of events/groups use your vehicles?
A: Weddings, corporate events, parades, birthdays, family gatherings, bachelor/bachelorette parties, holidays, city tours, trips to the airport… anything you may need transportation for.

Q: Are children allowed on board?
A: Children are allowed on board with supervising adults, but keep in mind that we do not have seat belts on our trolley cars.

Q: Are there specific hours of operation? Or do you provide services at all hours of the day?
A: We provide services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Q: How do I reserve a vehicle?
A: We’re on a first come, first served basis. A vehicle isn’t reserved for you until we receive a signed contract with your credit card information for the non-refundable deposit. Once we receive your completed contract and payment we will reserve the vehicle for you and email you a formal confirmation with a reservation number and a receipt for the payment. You can scan and email the completed contract to us. Our email address is info@windycitytrolley.com If the requested vehicle is still available, you will then receive an email with your confirmation and receipt of payment. For the charter contract, click here. For weddings, click here. For terms and conditions, click here

Q: What if I need to cancel?
A: We must receive all cancellations in writing or e-mail to info@windycitytrolley.com. Once received, we will e-mail a cancellation confirmation stating the cancellation charges, if any. If you do not receive this email within 24-hours please call us immediately. The client has the right to cancel service up to 48 hours after time of booking with no penalties, however, there are no refunds of deposits or any payments made. If the reservation is not cancelled 2 weeks prior to the reservation date, the credit card on file will be charged the full amount. If the reservation is booked within 2 weeks of the service date, payment in full is required and service is non-cancelable/non-refundable.

Q: What methods of payment are accepted?
A: We require all deposits to be made in credit card, all major credit cards and do not charge processing fees. 

We require a 30% deposit to secure the date of your event, which is a nonrefundable fee in the event of cancellation within 14 days prior to the event date.

Q: How do we get in contact with the driver during the service, just in case?
A:  Drive cell numbers will be provided 24 hours before the event. We will provide the driver with a cell number on file for the host for the driver that day. It is the responsibility of the host to provide the driver with any other numbers that they want the driver to have. If you need anything on the day of, you can always contact our 24-hour dispatch number 773-777-0300.

Q:Will the driver know where to go? Do you have a GPS system?
A: No we do not have a GPS system on board (too distracting) Host is responsible for providing WCT with a route  3 days prior if they want it to be mapped for the driver ahead of time. Otherwise the route taken is entirely up to our drivers judgment unless the customer specifies a particular route in advance.