For all its charming greenery, shops, restaurants and shaded sidewalks, Cassandra and Brian Buckalew felt there was one thing missing from Marietta Square.

"We've been to Key West, Savannah and other places in our travels where they had a trolley," said Cassandra Buckalew. "We thought it was about time Marietta had one, too."

bell clanging and tour guides waving, the bright-green and orange car is sure to stop traffic as it winds through the historic districts. A recent run-through of the route did just that, catching the cameras of tourists and honks from drivers.

Getting a tourist trolley has been a yearlong endeavor for the Buckalews.

"We checked it out and knew there had been a study done on a trolley service years ago," said Brian Buckalew. "But that was as a transport service for people around the square. We wanted one that would be a tourist attraction."

The east Cobb couple met with Theresa Jenkins, director of the city's Welcome Center, to discuss the possibility of a trolley and to work out a possible route.

"I thought it would be a wonderful idea," said Jenkins. "They're from the area; they've done lots of research. I think it will definitely increase tourist traffic."

The Buckalews also made a presentation to the mayor and City Council, acquired the appropriate operating permits and spent hours in the library poring over information to go in the trolley's travelogue.

The result is the Historic Marietta Trolley Co., based at 107 Church St., that manages the one-hour route. Riders will enjoy a loop around the square; along Atlanta Street to the Marietta Conference Center; by the city and national cemeteries; past the historic houses on Washington Avenue; by the area's old churches; and out to Kennesaw Mountain.

Along the way, tour guides Jo Ann O'Malley and Brad Quinlin will offer a running commentary on the area's history, from the days of the Civil War to the Bell Bomber plant and its impact on the city's growth.

"I have a B.A. in history and love old homes, antiques, anything old," said the bubbly O'Malley. "I was looking for a job when I found the trolley. Now I can do something I love."

For guide Brad Quinlin, the trolley is another way to bring Marietta's history to life.

"I like getting people enthused about history," he said. "The buildings we pass are mortar and brick, but the people who build this city are what's really important. Each of us will add our own passion to the script, I'm sure."

The Buckalews shelled out $120,000 for the new trolley, which was made in Indiana. It's outfitted with a wheelchair lift, windows that pop out during balmy weather, 30 oak bench seats with black iron supports, a wooden ceiling and brass poles. And there's the bell that driver Charlie Webb rings at regular intervals to attract attention.

The couple also are offering the trolley for chartered tours, private functions and school trips. While they're working at making it a success, they haven't given up their day jobs — she's an interior designer, he's a sales rep. But they're already looking at a bright future in tourism.

"We'd like to be profitable and purchase more trolleys," said Cassandra Buckalew. "It's definitely something we will look at."