Buses retrofitted to look like vintage trolleys began rolling through Tri-City streets on Nov. 16.

Ben Franklin Transit decided two years ago to replace three aging vehicles with the low-floor buses designed to look like trolleys.

The trolley replica package outfits a modern Gillig transit bus with solid oak seats, brass-colored stanchions, a lighted cupola on the roof, front cowcatchers and a vintage paint scheme.

Named for the region’s three rivers — The Yakima, The Snake and The Columbia — the 35-foot $1.67 million trolleys are running routes in Pasco, Richland and Kennewick.

The Snake is on routes 64 and 65 in Pasco, The Yakima is on routes 23 and 26 in Richland and The Columbia is on routes 41 and 42 in Kennewick.

In addition to the three Tri-City routes Monday through Friday, Ben Franklin Transit also will be working the trolleys into rotations on Saturdays on the 120, 225 and 170 routes. Beyond the daily service, BFT is working with community partners to leverage the trollies as a tool to promote tourism and growth within the region.

“They’re different, fun to ride and people enjoy the nostalgia. As partners in our community, we see them adding to the visions of our local leaders to revitalize our urban cores, encourage people to shop at local businesses and further our reputation as a tourist destination,” said Kurt Workman, BFT spokesman.

Each trolley cost $556,670, including tax and licensing. Of that total, $87,913 was the cost of the trolley replica package.

A federal grant paid 80 percent of the total costs of the trolleys, or about $1.34 million, with BFT paying for the remaining 20 percent from its capital budget, which is supported by a portion of sales tax revenue, or $334,002.

The transit’s board of directors approved buying the trolleys in 2014.

“We’re really excited to be adding these trolley buses to our community,” said Gloria Boyce, Ben Franklin Transit’s general manager. “Our board of directors saw the value in investing in them to support the economic development of our region.”

BFT’s vehicles typically last between 14 to 16 years and on average travel 50,000 miles per year – so when averaged out, the trolley package will cost about 10 to 12 cents per mile more than a standard bus, transit officials say.

Trolley transit fares will be the same as any of the other buses.

For more information visit www.bft.org.