Why I Support the Streetcar
Not moving forward will send a wrong message to all those looking to invest in Milwaukee, a city businessman argues.
Milwaukee has a first-class public works department, is well known for top notch city planning and has a rich and diversified history of urban transit. We’re at the end of a long road for those of us who have been active observers, and even participants, in the long planning process for the Milwaukee streetcar project. I personally have taken an interest in the streetcar plan because I believe that a robust and layered public transportation system is absolutely necessary for a city: at the very least, to properly function, but at best, to flourish.
At the many public meetings that were held over the last five years, informational presentations, Common Council and committee meetings, Federal Transportation Administration hearings, there has been ample opportunity for public commentary and criticism.
I have taken advantage of some of these opportunities, as an engaged citizen and a local business owner, to exercise my right to express opinions and views at these meetings. It comes as a surprise to me, now, that a small group of people who have not been active in the planning process are trying to derail years of careful and holistic planning. A standard aspect of legwork for public works projects is soliciting community input, fleshing out problems, rigorous evaluation of challenges and long term impacts, not least of these impacts being budgetary sustainability and ensuring sound funding mechanisms. Regarding these matters, the city’s Department of Public Works and Department of City Development have both done their homework.
The fact of the matter is that constraints play a huge roll in defining any project, the most obvious being budgetary. Regarding the streetcar system, what has been settled upon is the best that can be accomplished by Phase 1 of the streetcar. Expansions into Bronzeville, the South Side (where my business is located), and other areas are crucial for a functional system, but they will never happen if Phase 1 doesn’t happen.
In light of a long trend of decreasing funding for the county-operated bus system, the introduction of another mode of public transit that compliments and even replaces some of the bus lines is a welcome development. Not moving forward on this project puts future federal funding for transportation in Milwaukee at stake, as well as sending the wrong message to all of the bold architects of change and innovation and development in this city, in both the private and the public sectors.
We must be a city that embraces the positive influence of creative, forward-thinking energy, because we have a host of other problems that need our urgent attention — the most important being the state of race relations and the generation-long decline in the health of some of our inner city communities. The Milwaukee streetcar project does not solve these issues directly, but through construction employment, future system operations and maintenance employment and increased urban mobility for all local workers, it does help. Let’s take care of business, get Phase 1 of the Milwaukee streetcar in the ground, and move forward to become a more transit-diverse, vibrant and forward-thinking city.
Russell Rossetto is a Milwaukee resident and co-owner of Transfer Pizzeria Cafe (101 W. Mitchell St.).
Maps and Renderings
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
I appreciate Mr. Rossetto’s thoughtful and well-reasoned supporting opinion. I would like to hear such a well-reasoned response from these outside activist groups, a response that doesn’t include the words “choo choo trains” or “libtards” or any other such nonsense. Let’s hear the facts of the case and decided on its merits.
Going there for dinner now. Good for this guy!
From what I can tell the opposition consists of “I wouldn’t ride it therefore it’s a bad idea” and “we have bigger problems like crime and MPS.” Neither is a valid reason to not go forward with the project.
Dave K doesn’t want to really hear the “thoughtful and well-reasoned supporting opinion” against the street car as he claims. Those arguments have been made by many people who are being ignored as the city goes forward with these plans. The supporters of this outdated, non-flexible transportation system do not want a city-wide vote on this boondoggle because they know they’ll lose.
But since I do not live in Milwaukee, I could care less. I actually enjoy the fact that the city will be on the hook for this thing and can’t wait to hear the horror stories of it being built along with added costs to people who use utilities that have to be removed. I hope it is higher than originally thought to be…something common in projects like this. I believe I’ll have a lot to laugh about.
I’m also certain that “urban milwaukee” posting nothing but pro-street car arguments isn’t exactly getting the truth out there with the negative aspects of this project. You won’t be seeing anything highlighting the negative with this boondoggle.
You should try to use the word “boondoggle” a few more times. It’s not telling at all about where you get your “news” and “information” from…
@Randy…. Right, we haven’t heard any of the negative arguments about the streetcar. Talk radio is has been spewing its talking points in this town for 25 years. Who’s fault is it that they can’t put together thoughtfull and well reasoned arguments against the streetcar? Based on your childish post, its apparent to me that you’re a regular listener. Its a good thing you don’t live here because you and your ilk have been a big part of the problem for a long time. You sound mean spirited and backwards. And I don’t believe that you don’t care…. I think you do. You can always visit us.
@Randy B. – We ran an anti-streetcar op-ed in advance of the vote. http://urbanmilwaukee.com/2015/01/14/op-ed-why-the-streetcar-wont-work/
Transfer is good stuff too! And clean! Meanwhile go into Soblemen’s and look closely. The place is swimming in rat turds and the burger is so-so. That’s why he’s against it.
Excellent, perceptive and spot on support of the streetcar by Russell. The points he makes are great because they are not something out of a “pro-streetcar” handbook unlike the opposition. It is obvious that the points Russell makes are because he is involved and takes the time to really understand how the streetcar will affect Milwaukee. The “anti-streetcar” playbook brings out every little spurious claim directly from Randal O’Toole’s, “The Great Streetcar Conspiracy.” Even the words Randy B. uses in his post, “outdated, non-flexible transportation system, boondoggle” are lifted right out of O’Toole’s conspiracy theory. And of course, they are used to deflect the facts and turn the idea of the streetcar project into something it is not.
1. Outdated – Mr. O’Toole spent much effort trying to paint the modern streetcar as 19th century technology. In the same way that a modern car is the same way as a hand-cranked Model T? No, because cars have evolved in 100 years the same as have streetcars. Of course they still use rails but that is where the similarity ends. The last streetcars that ran in 1958 were built about 30 years previously, so actually were well beyond their time. Even by 1950’s streetcar standards they were outdated. Streetcars I have used in Istanbul, Berlin, and Amsterdam are highly modern and very comfortable.
2. Non-flexible – Some people think that the fixed nature will cause problems. If something blocks them then they are stuck. Well, yes, except they can move in two directions just as easily, so the passengers shift to the other streetcar and both cars move on from there. Try backing up a bus a city block when there is an obstruction or what happens when your bus breaks down. I see much more flexibility in streetcars. Especially when the line is in a loop like the Milwaukee plans then this supposed problem will never be an issue.
3. Boondoggle – Unlike the boondoggles of public sports stadiums which use public money to entertain people with little direct return on investment, public transportation allows people to get to work or shop for goods. They do things that have a direct impact on the economy. Oh sure, bars make money on sports but they will make money on sports even when the team isn’t playing here. People will always enjoy sports without a high-tech fancy stadium or big name sports team (Racine Raiders, anyone?) but getting around for many people isn’t as cheap or easy without public transportation. This is economic reality. Also consider how many MCTS lines service the Multi-modal station… only one? That is a poor connection for the large number of people that depend on connecting to the trains and buses at the station. A streetcar line that connects to the station helps everyone get around more effectively, which is the whole point of public transportation.
Let’s look at one last thing that seems very bizarre about the anti-streetcar bunch who are so interested in helping Milwaukee. Very few actually live in Milwaukee. The last two days of four published letters in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel listed residents of Waterford, Burlington, West Allis, and Pewaukee who wanted the streetcar project stopped. Why? do you care?
As well intentioned as Mr. Rosetto may be, he is mistaken in stating that “a small group of people” are opposed.
There is a large percentage of citizens (especially in the inner city where mass transit is sorely needed) who are greatly opposed to this project because a streetcar is not mass transit, and will not serve the citizens who are truly in need. The reason for the late uprising in trying to “derail” the project is because people were awaiting the common council’s vote.
Because of the highly biased press coverage and radio in the city, it is wise to look at more objective reviews of streetcar projects in similar cities. Such as Kansas City: http://www.citylab.com/commute/2014/09/its-streetcar-stalled-kansas-city-mulls-the-best-way-forward/380735/ or Virginia: http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/arlington-officials-major-announcement-on-columbia-pike-streetcar-project-at-noon/2014/11/18/ce2a8170-6f38-11e4-8808-afaa1e3a33ef_story.html
Both of these projects were stalled at Phase 1, and Milwaukee is likely to follow suit. If the initial project is not well designed, how can it progress to it’s next phase? Ultimately, this project could cause more harm than good because money and time will be wasted, and the community will lose even more faith in future transportation projects. That’s why this is such an important issue.
Bones, if a restaurant really is “swimming in rat turds”, you should probably inform the health inspectors. Or at least whichever station does the Dirty Dining bit.
As far as the streetcar is concerned, it’s not worth the effort to be against it anymore. I really hope it works out as well as you think it will. I just don’t believe that this is the single thing that will decide if Milwaukee is a modern and attractive city or a second rate city not worthy of attention. There are benefits, but it’s a bit overstated. I also wish people would be honest about the costs. You can’t say it’s all free, but talk about the benefits of a full system. It’s going to cost close to two billion dollars to get the full system, and it has taken the city 25 years to figure out how to get a few miles. Hopefully it’s still considered modern in a generation or two when it’s finally large enough to be useful.
The one thing a streetcar accomplishes in my opinion is that the powers that be get to try and dictate where development will occur. Many of the supporters tout the development that will occur because they line will be fixed. If you build it, they will come or be forced to come because that’s where the mass transit options are. I think that’s why it appeals to liberals because many of them like to dictate how people live.
Supporters will cite that many developers are jumping on the project and support it, but people usually miss the part in the article where that developer has their hand out for some city money. The Business Journal published one such article yesterday featuring Jon Hammes. Check out the last sentence in the article.
Other than fixing where development occurs I don’t know that the supporters have ever really explained what this will provide that a bus cannot. Go to a city like Seattle and Portland and you will be shocked at how many busses they have. Yes, each has a streetcar, but the reason it’s easy to utilize mass transit in those cities is that the busses are running nearly non-stop. It seemed that you never had to wait more than 5 minutes to catch one and Seattle had a cool program where the bus was free during peak hours. So would the city be better off investing their resources in something like that?
I do think if you are going to invest in a fixed line it would make more sense to do something that would bring people into the downtown or to crowded areas like Miller Park. Fixing a line once people have already used a car to get into the area doesn’t make a ton of sense.
Much is made about the need to attract millennials as if they are some sort of creature that we’ve never seen before in human history. The truth of the matter is this. Most of us when we were in our 20s want to live in proximity to the city and will want amenities like street cars etc. Then all of the sudden we get married, have kids and next thing you know you’re making a Jeff Sherman-esque move to the suburbs (even though Shorewood people will try to convince you they still live in the City). You don’t think it will happen, but it likely will. Consider how much pressure was put on Kohl’s to move downtown. I think a key reason they didn’t is most of their truly key employees are 30+. Not that young people aren’t talented, but I’m way better at what I do at age 38 than I was at 26. In other words, companies will pay lip service to the young talent issue, but their actions usually tell a different story.
I think one thing that many will agree on is that for the street car to be successful it would have to be greatly expanded from it’s current route because the current route is sort of solving a problem no one is asking to be solved. So if this is expanded with runs to other key places in Milwaukee and Milwaukee County, what does that cost look like? How will it be paid for? No one ever answers that question. They may say. “Well we’re paying a billion dollars for the zoo interchange”, but leave out the part about how many cars pass through it on a daily basis. What does ridership look like if its expanded? Do people in Wauwatosa or Shorewood ditch their cars to use this to come downtown when they can easily get downtown as is.
Forget about the Federal Grant (and let’s face it if the Mayor had any pull he could get it repurposed) the City will still be paying upwards of $90,000,000 for this system and I think it could be better used on improving other mass transit options.
I don’t recall anyone making the argument that the streetcar alone will transform Milwaukee into a modern and attractive city (I’d argue it’s already attractive as it is, but in need of some improvements). I also think everyone agrees that for it to be truly successful, it needs to be expanded. Hopefully this is just the starting point. It’s not my first preference. That would be light rail, something that connected to Madison and Chicago. But sadly that didn’t and won’t happen. It’s risky, but it’s a risk worth taking. The fact that a lot of Millennials will eventually move to the suburbs isn’t a reason not to do it. You could come up with reasons not to do something like this for eternity if you really wanted to. Here’s hoping it’s a major success. Go Milwaukee.
Attract “them” with a street car, repel “them” with failing schools, crime and pot holes.
So the city has brain drain because of crime and MPS? And you’re one of those people who believes we should only focus on one, maybe two things at a time? Ignore everything until MPS is the best school district in America?
PMD, you tend to make reasoned arguments, but not everyone on these boards do. Many people echo Dave’s sentiment that a streetcar defeat will “keep Milwaukee nothing more than a second rate city in a second rate state.” I still don’t think that Phase 1 is a particularly useful route by itself, and I worry that the political climate will make it another 25 years before Phase 2 breaks ground. That being said, it’s never good for anyone when major projects fall flat, and I genuinely hope it will succeed.
Yes, in terms of priorities, education and crime…and pot holes. A mode of transportation that is more romantic than it is practical is no where on my list.
And no, MPS doesn’t have to be the best in the state, just not the worst.
But why can’t Milwaukee have multiple priorities PJ? Why this obsession with only focusing on crime and MPS? They are important, no doubt, but they are not all that should matter.
Kyle, I share your concern about Phase 2. It definitely needs to happen.
Very well stated Bill
Please read:
http://www.citylab.com/commute/2014/09/its-streetcar-stalled-kansas-city-mulls-the-best-way-forward/380735/
Just read it. Doesn’t change my support for the streetcar.
PMD, what major initiative is in the works from the mayor’s office or the common council to improve education or crime? In fact what else is the city expending any intellectual capital on?
I can guarantee that there are portions of the city (most of which will likely never be served by dedicated route transportation) that would much prefer that our finite tax dollars be used to improve the schools that help their children succeed and, that our finite tax dollars be used to make it so that they are not shot while sitting in their home, on their grandfather’s knee.
Unfortunately with our current mayor, common council and county board, it appears that we can only have 1 priority at a time, and a mode of transportation that was deemed obsolete long ago is not the correct priority.
Well PJ if you go to the mayor’s website, there are 8 initiatives listed under, you guessed it, Initiatives. Apparently there is in fact more than one priority at a time. But I admire your commitment to the talking points against the streetcar. You’ve got them down pat.
Well if he’s got them on his website then clearly he’s doing everything he can to fix the problems.
By the way, they’re not “talking points”. My words reflect my opinion which happen to reflect the opinions of other like minded individuals. Our opinion is based on facts gleaned from the history of other such projects, the lack of sense in dedicating permanent transportation routes, the ill advised investment in an expensive form of public transportation in a community that under-uses the forms of public transportation that it already has, taking money just because it’s federal money, from a government that is broke, in a community that does not now nor probably ever will have a vertical population that will make each stop worthwhile.
Our opposition claims that the trolley will attract a certain type of individual to the community. I would argue that that certain type has other issues on their check list that are far more important than a trolley. These are issues that seem to be going in the wrong direction in MKE. Also, they would most likely use Uber and Lyft and other such immediate and flexible forms of transit far more than any mass transportation offering.
We clearly are not going to sway each other but the debate has been fun.
So Uber and Lyft haven’t been around very long and it might be too early to know this, but has there been a noticeable decline in public transportation use in cities where Uber and Lyft first started operations? If a lot of people use those services, and bus ridership is struggling, does that in and of itself mean the streetcar is a bad idea? A lot of people seem to think that different modes of transportation cannot coexist in Milwaukee, but that doesn’t seem to be the case in many other cities.
PMD, I just wanted to say you’re doing god’s work here. I don’t have the time or patience to refute the same talking points over & over again. Cheers and good luck… at least now the conversation is starting to shift on where to expand.
Choo Choo!!
Randy B. – I believe you meant to write that you ”COULDN’T care less” about the project cost in Milwaukee. To say you ”COULD care less” would refute your own reasoning and contradict your stance on the issue.
It’s like saying, “there ain’t no way” I’m supporting that streetcar project!
BONES is right about the rat turds.
@Bill (post 13), you asked what (other than spurring development) a streetcar can do that a bus can’t. I’ve answered this many times, but will try again.
• Rail attracts more passengers than buses
• Streetcars are faster than buses
• Streetcars can cost less per passenger mile to operate than buses
• Streetcars are cleaner (no tail pipe) and quieter than buses
This post only discusses the first point.
Rail vehicles attract more people than buses. This is a fact. (This is one reason we can’t measure streetcar ridership by operating a bus on the same route.)
• We see that on inter-city trains. Amtrak’s Hiawatha attracts more riders than Greyhound, Megabus, etc (even though the bus is much cheaper, runs more often, and is almost as fast).
• We see that on light rail. In Minneapolis-St. Paul, total transit ridership (bus and rail combined) on its “Central Corridor” nearly doubled since June when light rail replaced a limited-stop bus. (Two other Central Corridor bus lines—a local route stopping about every eighth mile and a much faster freeway route—continue.)
http://www.metrotransit.org/green-line-six-month-anniversary
• We see that on streetcars. In Portland, two sets of data (one for its streetcar, the other for its light rail) show that rail attracts new riders. You can read more here:
http://www.politifact.com/oregon/statements/2012/apr/03/charlie-hales/do-streetcars-really-beat-out-buses-capacity-rider/
Streetcar opponents claim rail’s attraction is “snobishness”—that some people think they’re too good for a bus. I disagree. I think a major reason is that rail just “rides” better than a bus (or even a car). Many people (including my wife and me) simply can’t read on a moving bus (or a car) without motion sickness; we have no problem whatsoever on rail.
Reasons I oppose it
1 I rather see the city work on fixing our current roads esp those near the business the author owns
2 we don’t have money to salt the roads
3 we don’t have money to pay police and fire fighters so we furlough them to save money
4 we need more police on the streets
5 it cant operate in more than one inch of snow
6 based on today’s numbers the final cost will be in excess of two billion dollars
7 even in warm climate as Atlanta GA no one is riding it
8 there is no such thing as free money. we the tax payers are paying for it some how some way
9 You may have been able to sell me on it if the ordinal set up was from downtown to summer fest discovery world. But no it went the opposite direction catering to who?
10 if it flops as many predict we are stuck with it for 25 years. thanks but no thanks
11 POT HOLES POT HOLES POT HOLES POT HOLES still exist and are only getting worst
if you dispute any of this google it
Uber and Lyft may reduce demand for taxi service, but most people that commute on a daily basis will not spend $30 on round trips from home to work each day.
Fixed route transit has resulted in development along and near the routes in many cities that have built the systems. There is plenty of evidence for this. We are densley populated, walkable and situated very well for the streetcar.
The city of Milwaukee is trapped. Shared revenue inhibits Milwaukee’s ability to raise revenue. The state takes all income tax revenue, takes all sales tax revenue and a portion of the property. Each year it gives less and less back. Milwaukee spends and collects less per capita than of midwest and Great Lake peer cities. The city can’t raise revenue. MPS is not run by the city. The mayor tried to take it over but was shut down by the state. Also, the city did not madate the integration of schools due to de facto segregation. That was the federal courts.
Whenever the city tried to improve transit, the state shut that down as well. No dedicated funding, outlawed regional authority and a dwindling budget. DOT wants to take transit out of the transportation budget. Transit is in a death spiral.
The city needs to be bold and aggressive. I do think once the streetcar is built, the region will want in on it. I for one am happy the city is getting aggressive. I can’t wait to ride the streetcar to the Buck’s game!
@TIMIRI Wow…. you may be the most misinformed person to have ever posted on this site. Please do a little homework before you post. Just embarrasing…… or turn off your radio and think for yourself. When I get a little time I’ll address your points. Wow.
Bones and CK have a lot of information not found in the health inspection report for a place they claim not to frequent. How exactly are you both so certain that the place is swimming in rat turds?
On a completely related note: https://www.eff.org/issues/bloggers/legal/liability/defamation
If someone saw rat droppings in a restaurant, wouldn’t they be inclined to take a picture and share that information? I think certain individuals are best ignored when discussing the streetcar, both supporters and opponents.
Kyle (or Mr. Sobelman),
1) You obviously didn’t read, grasp or fully comprehend your OWN legal term explainer web link posted above. It clearly states the following definition of defamation:
—————————-
“What is defamation?
Generally, defamation is a false and unprivileged statement of FACT that is harmful to someone’s reputation….”
—————————-
The key word there is ”FACT”. Translation – I only inferred a simple opinion, (that the scent and ambiance of that place reminds me of rat poop). That is my personal conjecture. Guaranteed under the freedom of speech amendment. …. Nobody claimed any statements of fact, in relation to actual rat poop or false code violations. No official supporting documents were cited.
So, .. there were no false factual assertions conveyed in my comments. Go to law school.
@TIMIRI (post 31), you claim streetcars “can’t operate in more than one inch of snow.”
This is false and I can prove it.
Here is a photo of a Toronto streetcar operating in several inches of snow.
flickr.com/photos/96602683@N00/5337349914
Here is a 3-minute video of Toronto streetcars operating in a 30 cm (12-inch) snowfall. The streets show signs of having been plowed, but there are still several inches of snow covering the streets.
youtube.com/watch?v=NYOIRnFEuXw
Here is a one minute video of Toronto streetcars in the snow. Notice how quickly and nimbly the second streetcar glides up the hill.
youtube.com/watch?v=MY2QQYlM8k4
All these are from Toronto which has North America’s largest streetcar fleet.
Even though the federal money is only allocated for transportation (therefore we cannot use it for a larger police force), Timiri makes some very valid and logical points which many people share.
In my opinion, it is a matter of filling a need vs. a very expensive gamble. No matter how you look at this, it is a roll of the dice.
There are times when risk is worth the gamble, but given our circumstances we should only venture into risky territory to solve a problem.
A streetcar is not light rail. Light rail would be a logical first step.
An unbiased view:
http://www.economist.com/news/united-states/21611123-federal-subsidies-have-inspired-some-silly-transit-projects-rolling-blunder
Unbiased according to whom? You? And that piece is not exactly strong proof that the streetcar won’t work here.
It is a national publication based on several streetcar projects and is not loaded with the divisiveness most discussions of the streetcar have in Milwaukee.
“Strong proof?” There is certainly strong proof that other methods of transportation are less costly, more efficient and much less risky.
What is your “strong proof” that an exorbitant streetcar that moves 2 miles an hour in the most wealthy area of the city will solve any of our transportation issues? Or for that matter a wise choice for the first phase of new transportation in Milwaukee?
Janice didn’t you say above that you support light rail, and wouldn’t that be more costly than the streetcar? I don’t have proof because the streetcar isn’t operating yet.
My point exactly.
We don’t know if the streetcar would be successful, so we can only make an informed opinion based on making comparisons to similar projects in other parts of the country. Kansas, Virginia, Buffalo……they have stalled after the first phase.
http://www.citylab.com/commute/2014/09/its-streetcar-stalled-kansas-city-mulls-the-best-way-forward/380735/
We DO know that an expanded bus system, electric buses or the beginning of a light rail system would involve less risk, transport more people, serve an actual need and be much less costly.
With no ability to see into the future, sadly I cannot say whether the streetcar will be successful or not. I already read the Kansas City story you shared here, and it did nothing to change my support for the streetcar.
Wasn’t light rail going to cost nearly $1 billion and isn’t that more than the cost of the streetcar? Have you been strongly advocating for an expanded bus system for the last 10 or 15 years? Suddenly all the streetcar opponents are in love with Milwaukee’s bus system. I don’t recall that being the cast a few years back.
@Janice (post 39), the Economist article you linked to is hardly unbiased. It cites Randal O’Toole, the epitome of bias when it comes to rail transit.
“The place is swimming in rat turds…” – Bones
“BONES is right about the rat turds.” – CK James
Apparently, I missed the layers of meaning that were supposed to indicate that these are “simple opinion, (that the scent and ambiance of that place reminds me of rat poop).” At least you have some existing legal precedent to fall back on:
“It depends on what the meaning of the word ‘is’ is. If the–if he–if ‘is’ means is and never has been, that is not–that is one thing. If it means there is none, that was a completely true statement….Now, if someone had asked me on that day, are you having any kind of sexual relations with Ms. Lewinsky, that is, asked me a question in the present tense, I would have said no. And it would have been completely true.”
@PMD….. Exactly. I don’t understand how suddenly all talk radio hosts, callers, crazy Uncle Bobs and everyone else loves buses. For the last 15 years we’ve been doing everything in our power to make our bus system less effective by raising fares, reducing service and slashing the budget. We’re being offered a false choice. This is the price to pay for negotiating in bad faith. We’re going to build the streetcar – its going to be great – deal with it.
It will not solve all our problems and it will not transform Milwaukee into Seattle. It’s simply an upgrade to a modern, clean, quiet and waaaaay overdo investment in the people of this city.
Back on the actual topic:
I found that article on Kansas City interesting, as it speaks directly to my concerns. I think their issue was placing the tax on the neighborhoods, and all at once before the starter line even opened. I’d say Milwaukee’s best chance of success would be to advance one leg at a time and with substantial support from the destination. Extending to UWM, the airport, the casino, Miller Park, State Fair, etcetera should be able to muster some support. Hopefully federal grants will free up to support building the lines to better connect the rest of city.
Granted. There is probably no true unbiased opinion on anything.
People are more open to a bus system now because in comparison to the streetcar it looks like a more reasonable option. There are also new eco friendly buses being developed.
Bottom line: If the streetcar is such a great idea, why not let people vote?
But why does the bus system suddenly look like a more reasonable option? Just because buses are more environmentally friendly now?
Kyle, it’s interesting that in KC people wanted the streetcar, but didn’t want to pay for it. That’s hardly new or surprising. But I agree that getting widespread support is important. I was reading about the great success of public transit in Salt Lake City, and one of the keys was getting the kind of support you allude to, from major stakeholders.
I agree Kyle.
The bus system looks like a more reasonable option in COMPARISON to the streetcar.
I know you’ve heard them before, but that’s because they’re true:
****Wouldn’t have to rip up the infrastructure– which will be immensely expensive and disrupt traffic and business in the area
****We can change the destinations and stops at any time
****More cost effective
****Could still be part of an expansive light rail system in the future
****Can move at a fairly fast speed
****New designs for eco friendly buses
****You’re not tied to a permanent bad decision for decades to come
****Would be more likely to succeed therefore progress to a Phase II and gain support from the people
Janice isn’t light rail more expensive than the streetcar? I think this is the third time I’ve asked. You cite cost as a reason to be against the streetcar but seem to support light rail, which I believe is more expensive than the streetcar.
When I rode the bus daily, it did not move at a fairly fast speed. Quite the contrary. It was slow as hell. Stopped every two blocks. Took 30-45 minutes to go from downtown to east side. Is it much faster than that now?
Janice, what are your sources for this stuff?
****Wouldn’t have to rip up the infrastructure, which will be immensely expensive and disrupt traffic and business in the area- Yet the future benefits are seen by many as far outweighing the short term inconveniences.
****We can change the destinations and stops at any time **This is a disadvantage when trying to spur development
****More cost effective- long term cost savings from operations with a fixed rail system
****Could still be part of an expansive light rail system in the future- Why can’t a streetcar also be? In fact even more so, as some streetcar systems are compatible to double as light rail when it leaves roadways.
****Can move at a fairly fast speed- Streetcars can travel in some cases up to 60 mph.
****New designs for eco friendly buses- Will never compare to streetcar
****You’re not tied to a permanent bad decision for decades to come- Can never take advantage of the truly great decisions of permanence to spur organic growth. case in point, buses running to New Berlin Industrial park was a great boon for employment opportunities… oh, until they pulled the plug.
****Would be more likely to succeed therefore progress to a Phase II and gain support from the people- Says who? Many examples show streetcars far outpace buses on the same route.
We don’t really know if light rail would be more expensive than the streetcar.
A small light rail system in a highly utilized area could be tried for the same cost or less than a streetcar and would be more likely to be a success therefore gaining more public support and allowing us to move onto Phase II.
Faster, express bus lines could be developed that make fewer stops. At least we would have options.
No one has answered my question as to why we shouldn’t allow people to vote?
We don’t really know? Maybe nit, but it was pegged at $810 million before it was killed. Isn’t that more than the cost of the streetcar?
What is a small light rail system exactly?
@Janice “A small light rail system in a highly utilized area could be tried for the same cost or less than a streetcar and would be more likely to be a success therefore gaining more public support and allowing us to move onto Phase II.” This is what the streetcar is. A small light-rail system, check. A highly utilized area, check. The key difference between U.S. light-rail and streetcars being the size of the train and in the U.S. anyhow light-rail generally gets its own right-of-way.
Let’s face it. None of us knows if this will be a success. The only way to even make an educated guess is to investigate similar projects in other cities, and they have not progressed because of lack of funds for expansion, and because the initial project was not successful.
I’ll ask one more time.
Why shouldn’t the citizens of Milwaukee be allowed to vote on this project?
No city has a successful streetcar?
So you want a referendum on every single issue? Or do we elect officials to make these decisions?
Umm Portland’s streetcar has been expanded multiple times, and from my view is in the extremely successful category. And yes why do we elect Alderman? So they can vote on easy issues?
Did I say no city had a successful streetcar?
Cities with already thriving downtown areas have had success with streetcars. Unfortunately, streetcars do not appear to be making a difference in cities which are more spread out and do not have an already established economically successful city center.
Did I say I wanted a referendum on every issue?
Perhaps issues that require an expenditure of over 100 million dollars.
Jill/Janice/Whatever… Do you realize how dense Milwaukee really is? Our downtown core and several nearby neighborhoods rank up there as some of the densest in the country outside of several mega cities.
This will only improve in the coming years as we’re seeing the Third ward continue to fill in, 833 E Michigan being built, proposed Couture, perhaps Johnson Controls HQ, 700 East Kilbourn tower, major new developments in and around the arena to the tune of 500 million to one billion dollars, Hammes company potential move downtown and their development, various apartment conversions in west town, many infill projects in the park east, and MORE!
It’s incredible how much our urban core is going to become. To top it off, pretty much every developer I can think of for these projects are on the record supporting the streetcar.
Of course developers are for it! They can build more housing, business…. etc…. for the wealthy while ignoring the needs of the poor.
Why shouldn’t people be allowed to vote for or against it?
That is the only way to get a true answer to what the citizens of Milwaukee wish.
That’s right Janice / Jill this evil development helps to subsidize all the needs of the poor you keep referring to. Who do think pays for that stuf?!?!we need more people and more jobs to pay for more police, schools, parks and streets.
I do not see the project as evil.
I see it as an unwise based on the result of similar projects in other cities.
If it goes through, I hope I’m proven wrong.
Will you please answer my question:
Why deny people the right to vote on it?
We elect representatives to make difficult decisions on infrastructure spending. It is true for freeways, parks, bridges, roads, etc. the Council has had sufficient time to gage whether or not their constituents are for or against the project. In addition, the city put the question on the 2010, fall election ballot. It was non binding, however it registered a 75% approval for the streetcar. Btw, the central city was overwhelming ly in favor of the project.
What else should we put on the ballot? What do you hold sacred? Libraries? Parks? Maybe the people should vote on the entire city and county budget? You would be shocked to see what would be voted down.
Janice/Jill, what projects are big/controversial enough for a referendum? Does double-decking I-94 west of Miller Park merit a referendum? How about widening I-94 to 8 lanes?
You suggested (post 43) building “an expanded bus system, electric buses or the beginning of a light rail system” instead of the streetcar. Could any of those be done without a referendum?
One other question about a referendum… Do you want a referendum so the voters can be heard or do you just want to stall/kill the streetcar? I ask because of what has happened in Cincinnati since 2008.
After the Cincinnati City Council approved a streetcar in 2008, its opponents demanded that a referendum be held. To achieve this goal, they circulated petitions to amend the Cincinnati City Charter to require a referendum to approve any passenger rail project.
The voters rejected the Charter amendment in November 2009. Having been rejected by the voters, streetcar opponents then ignored that referendum and circulated petitions calling for another City Charter amendment. But this time, instead of requiring a referendum to build the streetcar, they now proposed to amend the Charter to totally ban all rail passenger projects outright.
This Charter amendment came to a public vote in November 2011, and was rejected. Cincinnati’s streetcar is now scheduled to open on September 15, 2016.
By their actions, streetcar opponents showed they never really cared about what voters wanted; they just wanted the streetcar killed (even after it was shown that voters wanted it).
@Tom D: Thanks for posting the YouTube videos of streetcars in Toronto. My question is: Has anyone else noticed that these streetcars are practically EMPTY, i.e. NO PASSENGERS! Doesn’t that speak volumes? Watch these videos and COUNT the passengers. I counted THREE on what looks like a busy day during rush hour.
This reminds me of the City buses on Wisconsin Ave. clogging the streets and when one looks inside to see how passengers are in the street clogging, semi-truck trailer long bus…ONE PERSON!
I lived in Milwaukee for 15 years and now live in Portland, OR. The Portland metro area now has 4 light rail lines and two streetcar lines, with an additional light rail line and an extension of one of the streetcar lines to open in September. I am excited for Milwaukee’s proposed Streetcar. I hope it gets approved. In Portland we started with one modest line, and people quickly realized the benefits and wanted more. I am concerned that the Climate Disaster Capitalists like the Koch brothers will stop Milwaukee’s project, so you can continued to line their pockets with carbon tainted cash. Good luck Milwaukee. Once you get one line in, you will want many more.
Thanks Tom D and David for beating me to the punch. This has already had a vote (and passed) and it isn’t really about the votes… it’s about stalling the project.
So you want to compare the street car of Portland to the street car of Milwaukee. Keep in mind the climate is different in Portland they don’t have winters like we do.
For me its hard to compare one city to another. Each city has its own impacts on why it can or will not succeed. Me personally I don’t see it succeeding here when we have bigger problems to address than ramming this down our throats.
As far as TIMIRI comments from 31 i believe:
Why is he misinformed just because he offers his opinions different from yours
In response to my orginal comment regarding the final cost of the street car:
Please share with us the total project cost for The Milwaukee Streetcar as outlined here in a proposed system map used by the Mayor at recent public events.
Our analysis of the map indicates at least 40 miles of streetcar system track; at approximately $50 million in construction costs per mile (this number is based on the cost and length of the streetcar’s starter line: $123.9 million for 2.4 miles of track) the total proposed streetcar system outlined by the Mayor would cost a minimum of $2 billion to build.
Further complicating our concern are the additional costs of inflation, financing, maintenance, operations and subsidies, all of which when added to the $2 billion in construction costs will bring the system’s total price tag to nearly $3 billion.
If our analysis and estimate–based on the total system map the Mayor has used–is wrong, please enlighten us.
Jerome (post 67), not all the streetcars in the videos are anywhere near empty. On the daylight video, for example, the first one appears to have around 20 passengers. Later in that same video, the photographer moves to a different location and shoots mostly empty streetcars. My guess is that he moved near a garage where empty cars return at the end of their shifts.
The nighttime video is on a Saturday night in a snowstorm when almost nobody was out (in either streetcars or automobiles).
Toronto streetcars have LOTS of passengers. In 2012 (latest data I could find), their streetcars averaged 283,000 trips each weekday (more than the Marquette interchange handles) and does this with a fleet of 247 streetcars. For comparison, MCTS averages 136,000 weekday trips with 398 buses.
I was in Toronto in September for 5 days (my fifth trip to one of the best cities in the world). The streetcars were absolutely packed the entire time I was there. You couldn’t get on them even if you wanted to.
TIMIRI, I’m curious about the source of your numbers. I have this awful fear that you’ve gotten your $2 billion figure from me. That’s a number I completely made up (based on really rough guesses of current per-mile cost and my estimation of how much track would make a useful system). Granted, nobody bothered to call me out on it because it sounds like it might be right, but please don’t cite that and then extrapolate further from it to get to $3 billion. Piling your guesses on top of mine basically guarantee that the number is wrong.
Of course, if you have a proper source for that information, please provide it, as it will help all of us better understand the scope of this project.
Kyle actually I got my numbers from the people that run the stop the street car Facebook group
Bottom line it goes back to my original comment there is no such thing as free money. Yes were getting 158 million or so to start it what about the rest. Furthermore the longer it would take to build this the cost will only go up not down.
As far as the numbers I listed my alderman does not dispute them he feels over time we will recover that money he is unsure of how long it might take but is willing to take the risk
Oh, I see. An unnamed person running a Facebook group. I’m not certain that’s any better, but at least now I know.
Also, unless I’ve found the wrong “stop the street car” Facebook group, they only call it a $1 billion boondoggle. (On a side note, while photoshopping Barrett’s head onto Thomas the Train is a simply inspired move, the trains on that show crash all the time. I can’t figure out why they’d use the one time Thomas managed to actually stay on the track.)
Crash all the time he does.
http://static1.squarespace.com/static/522db17de4b04287ea7b6e6c/t/531b5916e4b0345bebd8c11e/1394301207223/little-train-crash.jpg?format=500w
Kyle you are rather interesting your willing to dispute numbers that my alderman wont dispute. SMH
You told me your numbers came from a Facebook group. I went to that Facebook group and found substantially different numbers. Your alderman is either too trusting of your figures, or just wants to be rid of you. All I did was check your (poorly cited) source. I’m rather interesting for a variety of reasons, but I wouldn’t call this one of them. However, my offer from before stands: I’ll stop disputing your numbers if you can provide a source for them.
Kyle you are crazy to believe the costs quoted today will be the same once it’s completed if it ever completed.
As far as my alderman trying to get rid of me. Rather interesting as we’ve had several discussions on the street car we have each others respect but we agree to disagree so your theory is wrong there.
I didn’t say I trusted the costs quoted today. But if I don’t believe them, why should I believe you? Why should I believe an anonymous person on the internet who couldn’t even find another anonymous person on the internet to verify their numbers? I’m also not going to take your anonymous word that your unnamed alderman agrees with your numbers just because you claim he didn’t dispute them. I even made up a very similar number, so it’s not as though I think it’s an impossible cost, I’m just baffled by how you expect me to just trust you on your numbers. It started as curiosity, because I wanted to see the reasoning others had for estimating that cost, but now I’m just fascinated by your reactions to this.