I rode Lolly the Trolly last summer and enjoyed the ride and the facts. But while in Chicago I was really impressed with their Hop on Hop off Double Decker bus tour. This allowed riders to get dropped off at several locations throughout the city and then every so often another bus comes back and you can hop right back on and go to another location. There is a tour guide who tells you about the city and stops just like Lolly the Trolley, but I believe the Hop on Hop off tour helps circulate the visitors throughout the city better. On Lolly, you see things that might seem interesting but you are given no opportunity to get off and explore. The Double Decker bus was also a great experience. Sitting up top is a view of the city that can be very interesting and enjoyable, especially on a nice summer day. In a trolley, the roof prevents you from looking up at the buildings and blocks a lot of other sight lines. Chicago also has trolly busses like Lolly and when I was on them, I could really tell the difference between the view of the trolly and the bus. Also the seats are more comfortable. The cramped wooden seats on the trolleys can get a little annoying after a while.

 

Here is a link to the Chicago Hop on Hop off Double Decker bus tour map.

 

http://www.coachusa.com/chicagotrolley/chicagos-best-tour/tour-map.asp

I rode Lolly the Trolly last summer and enjoyed the ride and the facts. But while in Chicago I was really impressed with their Hop on Hop off Double Decker bus tour. This allowed riders to get dropped off at several locations throughout the city and then every so often another bus comes back and you can hop right back on and go to another location. There is a tour guide who tells you about the city and stops just like Lolly the Trolley, but I believe the Hop on Hop off tour helps circulate the visitors throughout the city better. On Lolly, you see things that might seem interesting but you are given no opportunity to get off and explore. The Double Decker bus was also a great experience. Sitting up top is a view of the city that can be very interesting and enjoyable, especially on a nice summer day. In a trolley, the roof prevents you from looking up at the buildings and blocks a lot of other sight lines. Chicago also has trolly busses like Lolly and when I was on them, I could really tell the difference between the view of the trolly and the bus. Also the seats are more comfortable. The cramped wooden seats on the trolleys can get a little annoying after a while.

 

Here is a link to the Chicago Hop on Hop off Double Decker bus tour map.

 

http://www.coachusa.com/chicagotrolley/chicagos-best-tour/tour-map.asp

 

You're comparing apples to oranges.  The nationwide/Sightseeing/Gray Line sightseeing buses are contract services in partnership with several CVB's.

 

Gray Line is huge, especially in Central & S. Florida and Alaska (go figure).  It's also in metro markets smaller than Cleveland.

 

Lolly is an independant vendor who doesnt have the capital to do that.  Hell, Gray Line and budget cuts, forced Chicago's free to cease operations.