You Don’t Just See the Wildwood Tram Car — You Hear It

How Delaware Audio Visual Helps Power an Iconic Boardwalk Experience

If you’ve ever been to the Wildwood boardwalk, you already know the Wildwood tram car – you don’t need an explanation, you recognize it instantly.

Before you even see the tram car coming, you hear it.

It’s part of the rhythm of the boardwalk. Generations of visitors have grown up with it, and for many, it’s as much a part of Wildwood as the rides, the ocean, and the lights that line the shore.

What most people don’t realize is that behind that familiar experience is a system that has quietly evolved over decades to keep up with constant use, harsh coastal conditions, and the expectations of a modern operation.

The Wildwood Tram Car Experience

The Wildwood tram cars themselves trace their origins back to the 1939 New York World’s Fair and have been operating on the boardwalk since 1949. Today, the system is managed by the Wildwoods Boardwalk Special Improvement District, ensuring that this unique piece of history continues to serve both residents and visitors.

For many years, Delaware Audio Visual has played a role behind the scenes, supporting and refining the onboard audio systems used throughout the tram vehicles.

Learn more about the Wildwoods Boardwalk at https://wildwoodsnj.com

The challenge is straightforward, but demanding:
Deliver consistent, clear audio playback in an environment defined by heavy daily use, outdoor exposure, and constant salt air.

And it has to work every time.

That focus has led to multiple generations of custom-built audio control enclosures, each one building on the last. The latest version, now in its third revision represents a significant step forward in refinement, presentation, and serviceability.

While earlier versions were purpose-built and proven in the field, the current design takes a more integrated approach. Internal components are mounted using dedicated custom supports, with improved cable routing and a more unified enclosure layout. The result is a cleaner, more organized system that maintains the durability the application demands while enhancing long-term serviceability.

Everything inside the enclosure is intentionally designed not just to function, but to hold up under real-world conditions and make maintenance as straightforward as possible.

As the tram system continues to evolve, new tow vehicles are being introduced for the 2026 season, bringing updated performance and efficiency to the operation. Alongside these upgrades, the latest version of the Delaware Audio Visual voice box has been developed to support the next generation of tram cars while preserving the simplicity that operators rely on.

At its core, the system remains exactly what it needs to be:
a driver presses a foot switch, and the message plays consistently, clearly, and without complication.

It’s a small part of the overall experience.

But it’s one people remember.

Learn more about our services at https://delawareav.com