Milwaukee Streetcar Routes Unveiled by Mayor Barrett
On Friday, Mayor Tom Barrett unveiled three streetcar routes under study to the attendees of UEDA’s Community Development Summit.
The Mayor walked through the three possible routes and numerous possible future extensions. He broke down how successful systems in cities such as Seattle, Portland, and Tacoma have started with routes similar in length to the proposed for the Milwaukee Streetcar system (2 to 3 miles).
The public is invited to attend an open house to review and comment on the proposed routes on October 8th, 2009 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Zeidler Municipal Building at 841 N. Broadway.
Likewise, this system is outside of the purview of MCTS and their funding issues. It is certainly a piece of a larger regional transit solution, but the lack of a transit authority with dedicated funding is not a reason to stop working to actually utilize 18-year-idle federal funds. That said, we still believe a regional transit authority with dedicated funding is vital to developing a healthy, regional transit system. Thankfully Jim Doyle has proposed a plan to address just that, and now it’s up to our state legislators to act.
We invite you to vote in the below poll for your favorite route (and leave a message in the comments why), here is some quick food for thought from us. You’re also invited to buy a streetcar t-shirt, and wear it to the event on October 8th to show your support.
Alignment #1
- This route seems positioned for success because it connects likely riders (urban residents) with jobs. The Third Ward and downtown are filled with “creative class” jobs, and downtown and the lower East Side are filled with “creative class” workers. Likewise this streetcar would connect service industry workers with numerous restaurants, bars, and retail locations, saving money for the people who need it most.
- The jog up to Brady is more valuable than the jog further south in the Third Ward. Adding access for thousands of residents by connecting to Brady is more desirable than getting to the front door of more jobs in the Third Ward. It seems likely that if riders were dropped off by the iconic Milwaukee Public Market they would likely walk to the jobs located south of St. Paul in the Third Ward.
- Development potential along this route is good, although secondary to the potential for riders. This is key in this author’s viewpoint for making the starter system successful.
- Connection to the Intermodal Station is essential for regional transit (Amtrak, KRM, Megabus, Greyhound, etc).
- The 4th Street jaunt at the west end of the route seems likely to be underutilized, with likely only convention attendees and a few hotel guests using the leg. It might be better waiting until funds are available to make the 4th Street leg go further north.
Alignment #2
- The Water Street leg seems to pass less housing than Alignment #1 would. On the flip side it would likely pass more jobs, and more bars. It seems that a better balance would yield better ridership for the starter system.
- The potential Brady Street leg is intriguing, but likely a disappointment in terms of development. The Water Street portion could see more accelerated development, because of the line’s construction (The North End’s development would likely be accelerated). The Brady Street portion would draw riders, however, future growth may be difficult because of neighborhood politics including the East Village Neighborhood Conversation Overlay District that limit heights and thereby inhibits density beyond a certain level. Additionally, Brady Street itself is a historic district, which could limit the possibility of new development as well. Long-term development potential from the line on Brady Street is likely fairly limited (compared to other potential routes).
- Connection to the Intermodal Station is essential for regional transit (Amtrak, KRM, Megabus, Greyhound, etc).
- The 4th Street jaunt at the west end of the route seems likely to be underutilized, with likely only convention attendees and a few hotel guests using the leg. It might be better waiting until funds are available to make the 4th Street leg go further north.
- The alignment is less connected with the Third Ward, a large center of jobs, and is even further disconnected with the growing number of apartments at the east and southern areas of the Third Ward.
Alignment #3
- The alignment misses a large portion of East Town, the most jobs-dense portion of the city.
- The alignment serves many major entertainment hubs (Bradley Center, US Cellular Arena, Milwaukee Theater, Turner Hall Ballroom, Midwest Airlines Convention Center), which are likely to generate high ridership, but only on a handful of days.
- The alignment misses the Third Ward completely, a large jobs center, and an increasingly dense population center.
- The potential Brady Street leg is intriguing, but likely a disappointment in terms of development. The Water Street portion could see more accelerated development because of the line’s construction (The North End’s development would likely be accelerated). The Brady Street portion would draw riders, however, future growth may be difficult because of neighborhood politics including the East Village Neighborhood Conversation Overlay District that limit heights and thereby inhibit density beyond a certain level. Additionally, Brady Street itself is a historic district, which could limit the possibility of new development as well. Long-term development potential from the line on Brady Street is likely fairly limited (compared to other potential routes).
- The leg from Ogden to Brady would be important to generate ridership on the route, but it’s hard to imagine many people riding it to work daily.
- The route has the greatest development potential of the three routes, with all of the Park East covered. Unfortunately, that comes with the trade-off of likely the lowest ridership.
- If the goal is to build a starter system with the greatest number of riders possible, this is the worst option.
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Urban Milwaukee has produced a limited number of Milwaukee Streetcar t-shirts, available for $15 a piece.
More about the Milwaukee Streetcar
For more project details, including the project timeline, financing, route and possible extensions, see our extensive past coverage.
- Transportation: The “Holiday Hop” Streetcar Debuts - Jeramey Jannene - Nov 21st, 2019
- No money for police, lead hazard issues or infrastructure, but let’s pump up the streetcar we can’t afford - Ald. Tony Zielinski - Nov 1st, 2019
- Transportation: City Lands Second Streetcar Sponsor - Jeramey Jannene - Nov 1st, 2019
- Everstream Providing Free Fares for Hop Riders this Holiday Season - The Hop - Nov 1st, 2019
- Transportation: Streetcar Ridership Drops with Temperature - Jeramey Jannene - Oct 11th, 2019
- Transportation: Couture Streetcar Extension Decision Pushed to June 2020 - Jeramey Jannene - Oct 2nd, 2019
- City Tops in TIF Money for Streetcar - Corri Hess - Sep 13th, 2019
- Transportation: The Hop Records 80,113 Rides in August - Jeramey Jannene - Sep 12th, 2019
- Transportation: City Struggles on Couture Streetcar Extension - Jeramey Jannene - Sep 12th, 2019
- Streetcar expansion plans irresponsible in light of Mayor Barrett’s proposed 2020 budget - Ald. Tony Zielinski - Aug 16th, 2019
- Opposition to streetcar gains stronger foothold - Ald. Tony Zielinski - Aug 14th, 2019
- Transportation: July Was The Hop’s Best Month Yet - Jeramey Jannene - Aug 9th, 2019
- Mayor Tom Barrett released the following statement regarding streetcar expansion - Mayor Tom Barrett - Jul 23rd, 2019
- Transportation: No Streetcar Expansion in Time for DNC - Jeramey Jannene - Jul 23rd, 2019
- Transportation: Streetcar Records Best Ridership Day - Jeramey Jannene - Jul 16th, 2019
- Bastille Days Caps Record-Setting Run for Hop Ridership - Mayor Tom Barrett - Jul 16th, 2019
- Gambling Taxpayer Dollars on the Streetcar? Milwaukee is NOT Las Vegas - Ald. Tony Zielinski - Jun 29th, 2019
- On the Use of Tax Dollars for the Streetcar, Mayor Barrett is Either Deceitful or Incompetent - Ald. Bob Donovan - Jun 28th, 2019
- Do You Believe Us Now? - Ald. Bob Donovan - Jun 27th, 2019
- Transportation: Free Streetcar Rides Planned for 2020 - Jeramey Jannene - Jun 26th, 2019
- Transportation: Marcoux Warns Not Acting Could Jeopardize Streetcar Extension - Jeramey Jannene - Jun 24th, 2019
- Transportation: Will Streetcar be Extended by the DNC? - Jeramey Jannene - Jun 18th, 2019
- Transportation: City Confident Couture Won’t Block Streetcar - Jeramey Jannene - Jun 5th, 2019
- Transportation: No Agreement on Streetcar Extension - Jeramey Jannene - May 29th, 2019
- Transportation: Streetcar Ridership Still On Track - Jeramey Jannene - May 29th, 2019
- Council Needs to Direct Resources Toward Citizen/Community Priorities: Our Neighborhoods - Ald. Bob Donovan - May 23rd, 2019
- Streetcar expansion plan has some missing pieces - Ald. Russell Stamper, II - May 21st, 2019
- Transportation: Council Holds Streetcar Extension - Jeramey Jannene - May 21st, 2019
- More streetcar amenities or fixed streets and better services? - Ald. Tony Zielinski - May 20th, 2019
- Transportation: Breaking Down the Streetcar Financing Plan - Jeramey Jannene - May 16th, 2019
- Bronzeville Business Owners Desire the Streetcar - Andrea Waxman - May 16th, 2019
- Eyes on Milwaukee: A Town Square for Downtown Milwaukee - Jeramey Jannene - May 14th, 2019
- Transportation: Council Clears Path for Streetcar Lawsuit - Jeramey Jannene - May 7th, 2019
- Mayor Barrett: Secure Our Neighborhoods, Fix Our Streets, and Enough with Your Damned Streetcar - Ald. Bob Donovan - May 6th, 2019
- Streetcar extensions’ preliminary engineering work brings hope for development, jobs and more - Ald. Milele Coggs - May 3rd, 2019
- Firm commitment needed to bring streetcar to the South Side - Ald. Jose Perez - May 3rd, 2019
- Transportation: 11 Key Facts About Streetcar Extensions - Jeramey Jannene - May 2nd, 2019
- Transportation: Barrett Talks Up Streetcar Extension - Jeramey Jannene - May 2nd, 2019
- Proposed streetcar expansion expensive, ill-advised and premature - Ald. Bob Donovan - May 2nd, 2019
- Transportation: Mayor Wants Three Streetcar Extensions - Jeramey Jannene - May 1st, 2019
- Transportation: 11 Streetcar Lawsuits Coming - Jeramey Jannene - Apr 23rd, 2019
- Transportation: Bucks, City Unveil “Fear the Deer” Streetcar - Jeramey Jannene - Apr 12th, 2019
- Statement from The Hop Regarding Ridership - The Hop - Mar 15th, 2019
- Transportation: Streetcar Extension Planned To Start in September - Jeramey Jannene - Mar 14th, 2019
- Transportation: Streetcar Manager Leaving - Jeramey Jannene - Feb 28th, 2019
- Data Wonk: Not All Conservatives Oppose Streetcar - Bruce Thompson - Feb 13th, 2019
- Transportation: Track The Hop in Real Time - Jeramey Jannene - Feb 12th, 2019
- Transportation: Should the Streetcar Be Free? - Jeramey Jannene - Jan 18th, 2019
- The Hop Announces December Ridership Data - Mayor Tom Barrett - Jan 15th, 2019
- Transportation: City Extending Streetcar to Convention Center - Jeramey Jannene - Jan 8th, 2019
- Transportation: Streetcar Real Time App Coming “As Quickly As Possible” - Jeramey Jannene - Jan 8th, 2019
- The Hop Announces Holiday Hours for Christmas and New Year’s - The Hop - Dec 19th, 2018
- The Hop Announces November Ridership Data - The Hop - Dec 18th, 2018
- Eyes on Milwaukee: The Hop Has a Schedule - Jeramey Jannene - Nov 8th, 2018
- Eyes on Milwaukee: Streetcar Opens to Public - Jeramey Jannene - Nov 2nd, 2018
- Eyes on Milwaukee: 11 Things to Know Before You Ride The Hop - Jeramey Jannene - Nov 1st, 2018
- Eyes on Milwaukee: Take A Virtual Ride on The Hop - Jeramey Jannene - Oct 29th, 2018
- Eyes on Milwaukee: When Will The Hop Have a Schedule? - Jeramey Jannene - Oct 25th, 2018
- Eyes on Milwaukee: Streetcar On Time and On Budget - Jeramey Jannene - Oct 25th, 2018
- Eyes on Milwaukee: New Development Plans for Streetcar - Jeramey Jannene - Oct 23rd, 2018
- Eyes on Milwaukee: City Engaging Businesses Along The Hop Route - Jeramey Jannene - Oct 22nd, 2018
- Eyes on Milwaukee: Streetcar Suffers First Collision - Jeramey Jannene - Oct 9th, 2018
- ‘Hop-able’ Open House Slated for October 10 - The Hop - Oct 4th, 2018
- Property Values Climb Along The Hop Streetcar Route - City of Milwaukee - Oct 2nd, 2018
- Eyes on Milwaukee: Streetcar Service Starts November 2nd - Jeramey Jannene - Sep 28th, 2018
- Fifth and Final Milwaukee Streetcar Vehicle Due to Arrive Tomorrow - City of Milwaukee Dept. of Public Works - Sep 6th, 2018
- Promises Not Kept - Ald. Bob Donovan - Aug 28th, 2018
- Norquist: Why Milwaukee Needs a Streetcar - John Norquist - Aug 24th, 2018
- Streetcar Called “Disaster” - Ald. Mark Borkowski - Aug 17th, 2018
- Third Milwaukee Streetcar Vehicle Due to Arrive on Thursday, July 26, 2018 - City of Milwaukee Dept. of Public Works - Jul 24th, 2018
- Hop on The Hop at Bastille Days This Weekend - City of Milwaukee Dept. of Public Works - Jul 13th, 2018
- Eyes on Milwaukee: Streetcar Starts Widespread Testing - Jeramey Jannene - Jun 19th, 2018
- Public Invited to Hop on Board The Hop at Streetcar Open House - Mayor Tom Barrett - May 25th, 2018
- Eyes on Milwaukee: Renderings for Streetcar Extensions - Jeramey Jannene - May 23rd, 2018
- Eyes on Milwaukee: City Advances Streetcar Extension Plans - Jeramey Jannene - May 22nd, 2018
- Second Milwaukee Streetcar Vehicle Due to Arrive on Monday, May 14, 2018 - City of Milwaukee Dept. of Public Works - May 11th, 2018
- Jobs Fair for Milwaukee Streetcar Positions Set for Wednesday, May 2 at Maintenance Facility - City of Milwaukee Dept. of Public Works - Apr 26th, 2018
- Plenty of Horne: Streetcar Barn is Hopping - Michael Horne - Apr 6th, 2018
- Eyes on Milwaukee: City Presents First Streetcar - Jeramey Jannene - Mar 26th, 2018
- First Milwaukee Streetcar Vehicle Has Departed Manufacturer In Pennsylvania, Due to Arrive At New Home Early Next Week - City of Milwaukee Dept. of Public Works - Mar 23rd, 2018
- Eyes on Milwaukee: First Streetcar Heading to Milwaukee - Jeramey Jannene - Mar 16th, 2018
- Join Us Tonight For The Third Community Workshop For The Moving Milwaukee Forward Study - City of Milwaukee - Jan 31st, 2018
- Bastille Days announces new footprint for 2018 festival - East Town Association - Jan 25th, 2018
- Op Ed: Don’t Make Streetcar Rides Free - Jay Bullock - Jan 2nd, 2018
- Eyes on Milwaukee: $65 Million Spent on Streetcar - Jeramey Jannene - Dec 18th, 2017
- Transit Workers Union Announces Milwaukee Streetcar Labor Peace Agreement - Amalgamated Transit Union Local 998 - Dec 1st, 2017
- Plenty of Horne: How Will Streetcar Stops Be Designed? - Michael Horne - Nov 27th, 2017
- City of Milwaukee Issues RFP For Milwaukee Streetcar Marketing Services - City of Milwaukee Dept. of Public Works - Nov 21st, 2017
- Eyes on Milwaukee: Who Wants To Market The Streetcar? - Jeramey Jannene - Nov 20th, 2017
- Will Streetcar Gentrify Bronzeville? - Elliot Hughes - Nov 8th, 2017
- Eyes on Milwaukee: City Holding Streetcar Planning Meetings Saturday - Jeramey Jannene - Nov 3rd, 2017
- Eyes on Milwaukee: See Streetcar Floors Made Locally - Jeramey Jannene - Oct 26th, 2017
- New poll shows Milwaukee area’s divided feelings on Foxconn, views on other topics as Marquette Law School launches expanded public policy program - Marquette University - Oct 24th, 2017
- Mayor Barrett needs to start listening to the people - Ald. Bob Donovan - Oct 24th, 2017
- Mayor’s Chief of Staff Responds to Ald. Zielinski - Patrick Curley - Oct 24th, 2017
- Eyes on Milwaukee: Zielinski Again Attacks Mayor, Streetcar - Jeramey Jannene - Oct 24th, 2017
- Ald. Zielinski: Mayor diverts additional funding for streetcar that could go to more cops - Ald. Tony Zielinski - Oct 23rd, 2017
- Eyes on Milwaukee: Potawatomi Gives $10 Million To Streetcar - Jeramey Jannene - Oct 6th, 2017
- City and Potawatomi strike 12-year, $10 million streetcar presenting sponsorship agreement, includes free rides for the first 12 months - City of Milwaukee - Oct 6th, 2017
- How Streetcar Could Change King Drive - Elizabeth Baker - Oct 5th, 2017
- The Streetcar, Public Safety and Our Budget Crisis An Honest Assessment of Milwaukee’s Status Quo - Ald. Bob Donovan - Oct 4th, 2017
- Alderman Zielinski tells Mayor Barrett: Cut the streetcar, don’t cut protective services - Ald. Tony Zielinski - Sep 27th, 2017
- Eyes on Milwaukee: Republicans Heap Hate On Streetcar - Jeramey Jannene - Sep 7th, 2017
- Eyes on Milwaukee: City Chooses Streetcar Operator - Jeramey Jannene - Sep 6th, 2017
- Milwaukee Streetcar Construction on Target to Meet Residential Preference Program, DBE Goals - City of Milwaukee Dept. of Public Works - Jul 21st, 2017
- Friday Photos: Streetcar Tracks Getting Road Tested - Jeramey Jannene - Jun 30th, 2017
- Eyes on Milwaukee: $30 Million Spent on Streetcar - Jeramey Jannene - May 19th, 2017
- Eyes on Milwaukee: Streetcar Track Getting Installed - Jeramey Jannene - May 12th, 2017
- Eyes on Milwaukee: County Gets Waiver on Streetcar - Jeramey Jannene - Apr 17th, 2017
- Eyes on Milwaukee: Streetcar Rails Being Welded - Jeramey Jannene - Apr 7th, 2017
- Eyes on Milwaukee: City Won’t Delay Streetcar for County - Jeramey Jannene - Mar 28th, 2017
- Eyes on Milwaukee: County Board Okays Bid for Streetcar - Jeramey Jannene - Mar 23rd, 2017
- Eyes on Milwaukee: Streetcar Track Steel Has Arrived - Jeramey Jannene - Mar 16th, 2017
- Eyes on Milwaukee: Should County Operate Streetcar? - Jeramey Jannene - Mar 8th, 2017
- Eyes on Milwaukee: Streetcar Track Construction Starts in April - Jeramey Jannene - Feb 17th, 2017
- Streetsblog: 80 Transit Projects in 2017 - Angie Schmitt - Feb 6th, 2017
- Eyes on Milwaukee: The Milwaukee Streetcar is Hiring - Jeramey Jannene - Jan 20th, 2017
- Eyes on Milwaukee: Streetcar Project Receives Federal Grant - Jeramey Jannene - Oct 12th, 2016
- Eyes on Milwaukee: Cincinnati Streetcar Opens - Jeramey Jannene - Sep 19th, 2016
- Eyes on Milwaukee: Council Okays Streetcar to Bucks Arena - Jeramey Jannene - Jul 6th, 2016
- Eyes on Milwaukee: $6.5 Million in Streetcar Savings - Jeramey Jannene - Feb 26th, 2016
- Eyes on Milwaukee: Donovan Lies About Streetcar Suit - Jeramey Jannene - Feb 15th, 2016
- Eyes on Milwaukee: BID Sells Streetcar-Related Development - Jeramey Jannene - Jan 15th, 2016
- Murphy’s Law: Do Millennials Oppose the Streetcar? - Bruce Murphy - Dec 15th, 2015
- Eyes on Milwaukee: Pennsylvania Company Wins Streetcar Contract - Jeramey Jannene - Nov 13th, 2015
- Plenty of Horne: City Accepts $14 Million Federal Streetcar Grant - Michael Horne - Oct 29th, 2015
- Milwaukee to Receive $14.2 Million Grant for Streetcar Extension - Mayor Tom Barrett - Oct 26th, 2015
- Back in the News: Anti-Streetcar Petition Dies - Bruce Murphy - Aug 28th, 2015
- Eyes on Milwaukee: Scott Walker Aids Milwaukee Streetcar - Jeramey Jannene - Jul 13th, 2015
- Eyes on Milwaukee: Streetcar Construction Starts in October - Jeramey Jannene - Jul 10th, 2015
- Murphy’s Law: The Strange Politics of Anti-Streetcar-ites - Bruce Murphy - Jun 18th, 2015
- Plenty of Horne: Bucks Plan Envisions Arena Streetcar - Michael Horne - Apr 8th, 2015
- A Short History of Milwaukee’s Old Streetcar System - Ken Smith - Mar 31st, 2015
- Plenty of Horne: Davis Sets, Cancels Meeting on Streetcar - Michael Horne - Mar 17th, 2015
- Back in the News: Anti-Streetcar Petition Drive Fails - Bruce Murphy - Mar 5th, 2015
- Friday Photos: Streetcar Signing Is Quite a Celebration - Michael Horne - Feb 13th, 2015
- Eyes on Milwaukee: Milwaukee Streetcar Approved - Jeramey Jannene - Feb 10th, 2015
- Murphy’s Law: Who is “Lobbying” For the Streetcar? - Bruce Murphy - Feb 5th, 2015
- Data Wonk: Will Streetcar Help The Inner City? - Bruce Thompson - Feb 4th, 2015
- Back in the News: City Attorney Says Streetcar Petitions Might be Moot - Bruce Murphy - Jan 30th, 2015
- Data Wonk: Millennials And The Streetcar - Bruce Thompson - Jan 27th, 2015
- Op-Ed: Why I Support the Streetcar - Russell Rossetto - Jan 26th, 2015
- Eyes on Milwaukee: Streetcar Responses Shows Wide Support - Jeramey Jannene - Jan 22nd, 2015
- Eyes on Milwaukee: Streetcar Approved, but Held - Jeramey Jannene - Jan 21st, 2015
- Murphy’s Law: Koch-Funded Group Backs Anti-Streetcar Drive - Bruce Murphy - Jan 20th, 2015
- Eyes on Milwaukee: Streetcar Backers Say They Have the Votes - Jeramey Jannene - Jan 20th, 2015
- Murphy’s Law: Who Is Funding the Anti-Streetcar Effort? - Bruce Murphy - Jan 20th, 2015
- Op Ed: Why the Streetcar Won’t Work - Samuel Jensen - Jan 14th, 2015
- Murphy’s Law: Will Anti-Streetcar Referendum Succeed? - Bruce Murphy - Jan 9th, 2015
- The Story Behind the Streetcar Referendum - Michael Horne and Bruce Murphy - Jan 8th, 2015
- Eyes on Milwaukee: Council Delays Streetcar Until January - Jeramey Jannene - Dec 16th, 2014
- Eyes on Milwaukee: Committee Takes No Action on Streetcar - Jeramey Jannene - Dec 10th, 2014
- Eyes on Milwaukee: Committee Approves Milwaukee Streetcar - Jeramey Jannene - Dec 9th, 2014
- Plenty of Horne: RACM Approves Tax Funding for Streetcar - Michael Horne - Dec 2nd, 2014
- Plenty of Horne: How to Sell the Streetcar - Michael Horne - Nov 28th, 2014
- Plenty of Horne: Next Stops For The Streetcar - Michael Horne - Nov 24th, 2014
- Eyes on Milwaukee: Barrett Moving Forward With Streetcar - Jeramey Jannene - Nov 18th, 2014
- Plenty of Horne: Who Will Be Streetcar Operator? - Michael Horne - May 8th, 2014
- Back in the News: A Streetcar Named Cooperation? - Dave Reid - Apr 27th, 2014
- Streetsblog: How a Streetcar Spurs Development - Angie Schmitt - Nov 3rd, 2013
- Plenty of Horne: Streetcar Social - Michael Horne - Sep 12th, 2013
- Republicans Move to Kill Milwaukee Streetcar - Jeramey Jannene - May 9th, 2013
- Plenty of Horne: Mayor Says Streetcar is “Trojan Horse” - Michael Horne - Apr 17th, 2013
- Streetcar Meeting on Tuesday - Jeramey Jannene - Oct 29th, 2012
- Whoops, We Changed Our Mind - Dave Reid - Sep 27th, 2012
- Donovan’s New Anti-Streetcar Allies - Jeramey Jannene - Aug 16th, 2012
- Battle of the Bobs: Donovan vs Bauman Streetcar Press Conference - Jeramey Jannene - May 18th, 2012
- Milwaukee Streetcar Hearing at Frontier Airlines Center - Jeramey Jannene - Nov 15th, 2011
- Important Hoan Bridge and Milwaukee Streetcar Meetings this Week - Dave Reid - Nov 14th, 2011
- Milwaukee Streetcar Passes Common Council, Proceeds to Final Engineering - Jeramey Jannene - Jul 26th, 2011
- Alderman Donovan Proposes Delaying the Streetcar Project - Dave Reid - Jul 19th, 2011
- Barrett says Streetcar is an investment in growing Milwaukee - Patti Wenzel - Jul 13th, 2011
- Keep the Milwaukee Streetcar Moving Forward - Jeramey Jannene - Jul 8th, 2011
- Milwaukee Streetcar at Apex - Jeramey Jannene - Jun 16th, 2011
- Milwaukee Streetcar Takes Key Step Forward - Jeramey Jannene - May 6th, 2010
- Streetcars and Trams Around the World - Dave Reid - Feb 1st, 2010
- Milwaukee Streetcar Meeting This Thursday - Jeramey Jannene - Oct 5th, 2009
- Downtown Streetcar Open House - Jeramey Jannene - Sep 23rd, 2009
- Milwaukee Streetcar Routes Unveiled by Mayor Barrett - Jeramey Jannene - Sep 21st, 2009
- Common Council Creates Streetcar Committee - Dave Reid - Jun 18th, 2009
- Milwaukee Streetcar Round-Up - Jeramey Jannene - Apr 19th, 2009
- Vote For Your Favorite Milwaukee Streetcar Route - Jeramey Jannene - Mar 25th, 2009
- Design Your Own Streetcar Route - Jeramey Jannene - Mar 23rd, 2009
- Milwaukee Streetcar Map - Jeramey Jannene - Mar 21st, 2009
- Streetcars Coming to Milwaukee - Dave Reid - Mar 14th, 2009
- Palomar or Streetcar? - Jeramey Jannene - Jan 22nd, 2009
Seems that the first option would have the highest projected ridership? Gotta go with whatever fetches the highest ridership with the starter system, the purpose of transit is for people to ride it, and that should help with extensions when the time comes.
I’d say option 2 would be the best since it is most centrally located in the downtown to serve both east town and west town. Though I read that the streetcar may not have it’s own dedicated lane or have street lights turn green automatically for the streetcar? If that is true then don’t even bother with the system, it’s going to be no different than the bus in that it will get caught in traffic, like a bus, travel and a low average speed, and not run on a set schedule.
I went with #1. Although I think it would be better if the 4th Street leg was scrapped and instead the line extended up to Brady Street– thereby reaching a larger population of possible riders.
#1 looks best. Connects intermodal station with U.S. Bank Center (this is critical, it’s the largest office building in the state), NW Mutual HQ, Fed courthouse, Cathedral Square, Third Ward, MSOE, Metromarket, Mil. Public Market, close to 411 E. Wisconsin and Pfister, and connects all of that with densely populated east side.
I agree with Nathaniel, If people don’t ride and the system is not immediately successful, it will be crucified by the likes of Talk Radio. A streetcar system has been blocked for years, so it needs to hit the ground running if it comes about. The public must get behind it or it will be shelved for another 15 years.
I like #1 for the simple fact that it goes through the central business district, while incorporating some entertainment venues.
Great as always Dave.
@Mike
Dave appreciates the thanks (believe me he does), but I actually wrote the article. We had a little mix-up that credited him as the author. Thanks for the positive comments though!
An even better route would start at the intermodal station, go north on 4th to Wisconsin Avenue, then east along Wisconsin Avenue to Jackson/Van Buren, then north to Ogden, then east to Farwell. Why not run this thing on Wisconsin Avenue, which is downtown’s main street?
I think option 1 with the extension would be great, and I would actually trade the extension for the small segment that goes from the station to Wisconsin since that segment will be very underutilized.
@Andrew, I think there is a lot of consternation with the BRT folks from the county about having both lines on the same street (which to me seems ridiculous, but it is what it is). Might be a congestion/speed of service issue with Wisconsin too (not sure).
Hopefully #1 is what is built, with the extension to Brady. This brings together a nice mix of tourist destinations, jobs, housing, and nightlife. Hopefully if KRM and the county’s BRT plans move forward there will be easy transfers(no extra fees/thoughtful placement).
Great as always to you too Jeramey!
@Mike Yeah, this one is a Jeramey article… A little technical glitch messed that up initially.. But thanks!
Great news. At a glance, I prefer route number 1, though I agree that the 4th street leg seems unnecessary. You’d be quicker walking the 0.30 miles from the intermodal station to the convention center than waiting for a streetcar.
Also, this route passes under 794 via Van Buren and Jackson. It seems this routing would severely limit the potential for tidying up the knot of highway ramps at this location or implementing a surface level boulevard. Perhaps a crossing closer the river would be better in this regard? Is the trade-off worth it?
I see many of your arguements for route 1, but remember that we also have a proposed COMET system that would, if built, run norh on Prospect and south on Farewell with stops along that corridor. So, do we want duplication? You need to look at the systems together. Or is this proposal replacing the COMET…I thought it was the new route for the downtown circular streetcar
OK, after further review route 1 looks the best option considering the current land use, but 2 could lead to new development along the water street corridor and park east. I am torn….to with what will work now or what could create more growth in a under utilized area of the downtown.
regardless of where the route is they MUST have a dedicated lane for the vehicle and they must have the street lights turn green for the vehicle so that it’s movement is not stoped for traffic lights. This mode needs to be significantly quicker than the existing buses and in needs to be on time at stops or it won’t be used.
Outstanding. Let’s roll!
Inevitable critique: Barret’s choice of metaphor is horrible. A Trojan horse? If anything will get the anti-streetcar nuts riled up it’s language like that. This isn’t a sneak attack on an enemy city!
I think option 1 hits the greatest number of commuters and would provide walkable access to all the entertainment destinations available downtown.
One question that will hopefully be answered at the meeting is how many cars will run on this line?
Personally, I would hope there will be no schedule, instead you can expact that a train will be along every 5-10 mins. Unfortunately, given the length of this starter system, if it has a schedule like our current buses it would probably still be easier to make the 30 min walk downtown rather than wait 30 min for a ride.
I voted for #1 as the best of the lot but I think that the first route should definitely include going all the way to UWM period. Otherwise I don’t think it will be successful as it could be. I know that it would take more $ but then an unsuccessful route is wasting what we have and puts a pall on further development.
For maximum economic development as well as school/job ridership I would include route north of Brady that would include Downer and Oakland shopping centers, that mirrors the “30” and “15” routes that are the most successful of the present bus routes.
This would be the “Dream Route” for a successful first run of the street cars in Milwaukee.
I think option #1 is the best of the three but it really needs to run at least North Ave. I really can’t imagine that the streetcar is going to blaze though the short route in a way that will far surpass the bus system. I live a few blocks of North and the 30 only takes 20/25 min for me to get to work (4th & Wis) and the 15 about 5 min less. I know people who live along the proposed route that drive and I really don’t forsee then giving up cars for this. Its the people on the fringes of downtown (less economically well off) who really need quick and fast transit versus people who live in 400k condos or pay 2k a month in rent. I know we have to start somewhere, but I think the starting point needs to be a bit larger.
If the line could be extended at least to North Ave, that would capture a large number of UWM students, especially since UWM is running those shuttles between the Kenwood campus and North Ave. Yes, it would require a transfer to get downtown where the 15 and 30 wouldn’t, but unlike the 30 or 15, it would allow you to get to the Intermodal station with luggage. Better would be all the way to UWM.
Joyce
I think what hasn’t been made clear here is that there is only enough money for about 2 miles. Of course it would be great to get to North Avenue or UWM. It would also be great to get to Marquette, Bay View, Bronzeville and many other locations but there is only enough money for 2 miles.
I lived on the Eastside (Prospect and Brady area) for many years, in the Third Ward for a year, attended UWM for undergrad and grad school, worked downtown for two years and honestly, I don’t think I would have ever ridden the proposed streetcar.
I owned a car but often tried to survive without it by using the 15/30 buses. My thought is that “Milwaukee Urbanites” will adapt to this system if it perhaps connects UWM to Marquette and runs through the Third Ward / Downtown / East Town / Brady / North / probably a few other locations… otherwise the bus seems more convenient.
Maybe we’re “building a bridge halfway over the river” because that’s all the money we have? (I know not the best analogy) and I could be totally wrong about this… maybe there are enough people who regularly need to go between East Town and Downtown for this too work.
I think Urban Milwaukee staff should create a different poll, such as: if you are a “Milwaukee Urbanite” would you use the streetcar? Y / N
Also, I’m wondering if any transportation engineering types have weighed in on this.
And one more thing… thank you Urban Milwaukee. Someday I plan to move back to Milwaukee but I feel like I’m not missing anything because of your site.
Michael, one of the benefits of a streetcar is that it won’t just attract us urbanites, it will attract almost everyone. There are a lot of people who live on the lower east side who now drive to the Third Ward or downtown. I know that sounds crazy, but it’s true. The bus is not appealing to them for a number of reasons (confusing, infrequency of service, misconceptions, etc.). The beauty of enhanced transit options like a streetcar is that they can help increase transit ridership as a whole, because they appeal to a larger group of potential users.
It would be nice to see the proposed stops on these maps as well.
I like option 1 best with the deeper into the 3rd ward option. It should also extend up to Brady and ultimately to the UWM campus if they really want it to be heavily utilized.
@Matt Agreed I like it going deeper into the Third Ward, and would like it to go all the way to brady st before it turns around, but option 1 is still a pretty solid route as is.
Jeramey, I’d just remind you there are thousands of residents in the Third Ward also – not just jobs. Not that I’m biased.
@Michael James “Someday I plan to move back to Milwaukee but I feel like I’m not missing anything because of your site.” // doesn’t this site make you long for what you ARE missing?! 😉
RE: the 4th st jog…
From a transportation engineering standpoint: Granted, never underestimate an American’s willingness to shell out $$ to be moved 4 blocks without walking, but still, this leg doesn’t seem to make much sense.
From a political/marketing standpoint: There’s zero chance this thing gets build WITHOUT being paraded around in front of the convention center. And there’s the end of discussion for that leg!
In addition to the convention center, it might be important for the streetcar to make an appearance on Downtown’s main drag west of the river.
Something else I have been wondering about…I’m assuming the streetcar line and the vehicles themselves will need some sort of maintenance shed. Looking at alternative 1, it seems to me that one of the best places for this building to go would be in the 4th and Clybourn Area. I assumed that was another reason why that particular little jaunt. Any other ideas where it could go?
I have to go with the consensus on #1. Simply because of projected ridership and the fact that #3 just leads to sports arenas and a empty and unused mall and #2 seems to follow only nightlife not linking any of the East town residences to third ward and downtown
Have you guys (Dave and Jeramey) heard anything more about a locally preferred alternative? I know that milwaukeeconnector.com gave a timetable with a “locally preferred alternative approved” in December 2009 to January 2010. Would the City Common Council be in charge of choosing this alternative? The City engineering department?
@Kevin I think there will be much more on the Streetcar next month.