Beth Alston and Carly Farrell
The Americus Times-Recorder
AMERICUS —
For those wondering what the black van with images of Americus on it is all about, it’s a used van purchased and reburbished by the City of Americus.
Angie Singletary, Americus’ MainStreet director, said, “There’s a new limo in town; there’s a new guide in town.”
The City purchased this vehicle two years ago. It’s a retired Georgia Department of Transportation van which the City purchased for “cheap,” as Singletary put it. “The City saw a need to transport visitors when they came to town when they get off the SAM Shortline train Fridays and Saturdays,” she said.
But now there’s a new use for the van. People can rent it for $150 for the first two hours, and there’s a two-hour minimum. After that, it’s $60 per hour. It holds 13 people. Singletary said the van would be good for family reunions, any special occasion such as weddings, supper clubs, civic groups, anniversaries, proms, etc.
It can travel up to a 60-mile radius around Americus, whereas the trolley could only go within Sumter County’s borders.
“It’s a traveling billboard which showcases some familiar spots in town,” Singletary said.
Tystanic donated the labor to paint the van with images of the bell tower at Georgia Southwestern State University, South Georgia Technical College’s Pope Center, the train depot on Church Street, the Windsor Hotel, the Lee Council House, Rees Park and more. For information about renting the van, call Americus-Sumter’s Welcome Center at 928-6059.
The City also needs a new name for the van, and they’re hosting a contest. Entries should be submitted to Americus Main Street, 101 W. Lamar St., Americus GA 31709 by April 30. The winner will receive $50 worth of downtown dollars.
For more information about naming the van, call Angie Singletary at 924-4411.
