Why is this imperative?

• Streetcars will modernize our existing transit system, increase mobility and transit options, promote redevelopment and increased property values along its route, reduce transportation costs to area employers and residents, and improve the environment.
• The Streetcar will boost the vitality of Milwaukee's central business district and help attract and retain talent, serve visitors and tourists and encourage pedestrian activity.

Why Streetcars?

• Fixed transit attracts development.
• Modern transit and fixed routes attract new riders, often those who would never use a traditional bus.
• Modern, fixed transit, with its permanent rail, provides self-identified routes. They are attractive to tourists and visitors unfamiliar with the City because they can make a quick assessment of the routes and they don't fear taking the wrong bus or getting lost.
• Streetcars use clean, domestically produced power (i.e.: electric) operate with less noise, allow for precise docking with platforms for level boarding benefitting disabled, elderly passengers and children.

Will there be bike racks?

In most cities, you are actually able to bring your bike on the Streetcar.

How do the Streetcars serve those in wheelchairs or otherwise disabled?

The proposed Streetcar will be modern vehicles similar to those operating in Portland, OR, Seattle, WA and Tacoma, WA. The vehicles will provide low-floor/level boarding allowing wheelchairs, strollers and bikes to roll on and off with ease. Wide doors also provide easier access to the vehicles.

Why is it running in mixed traffic?

Public input, particularly from business owners downtown, indicated a low tolerance for the removal of on-street parking. Therefore, the Streetcar is designed for mixed traffic operations, preserving the majority of on-street parking. Other system enhancements will improve travel times, such as curb bump-outs at stations, no fare, no wait to board, multiple doors for boarding and signal prioritization.

How does the route serve citizens/workers/etc.?

• The initial route is within a 1/4 mile of 75,000 jobs and, with the extensions, it is within a 1/4 mile of 88,000 workers, nearly 95% of those working in downtown Milwaukee.
• Of course, the Streetcar will also be very attractive to residents and tourists. The initial route plus extensions is within a 1/4 mile of 100% of downtown hotel rooms and various major attractions.

What are the expectations for development along the route?

• The City identified vacant and underutilized parcels in the study area and evaluated alternatives alignments based on, among other factors, their proximity to these parcels under the recognition that fixed guideway transit service will promote transit-oriented development and/or more dense development.

Wouldn't this money be better spent on the bus system?

• The $54.9 million reserved for the project is designated for Streetcar construction by the Federal Government.
• The bus system will play a vital role in the overall public transportation system that effectively moves people and goods throughout the County and the Streetcar will add an exciting new option that helps better circulate people throughout downtown.

What will the impact be on the County transit system? Will there be negative financial consequences?

• The Streetcar is intended to complement the Milwaukee County Transit System. Much of the Streetcar usage is expected to be new transit trips, i.e.: those that otherwise would have been a car trip or no trip at all.
• Other cities that have invested in Streetcars and fixed transit have seen utilization of buses increase.

How does this fit into local, regional and state transportation plans?

• The Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission calls for a Streetcar circulator in their long range transportation plan.
• Providing a connection from the Intermodal Station and High Speed Rail (among the many other modes there) to downtown and beyond is also an important component.

Does construction of the Streetcar require a complete tear-up on the street and relocation of utilities?

Streetcar construction does not require a complete street tear-up.

What will the impacts be to on-street parking?

Because the Streetcar will operate in mixed traffic (i.e.: in a vehicle lane), there will be minimal impact on street parking.

Will there be overhead wires?

We anticipate that the Streetcar will be powered by overhead electric catenaries. So, yes, however, the project would utilize low profile Streetcar wires that blend in to the surrounding environment.

How was the public involved in the process?

The public had many opportunities to review plans for and comment on the downtown Streetcar. These include public meetings in February 2009 and October 2009, interactive website, email and web-submitted comments, and one-on-one and small group meetings/presentations. In all 432 recorded comments were received and 600 people participated in public meetings or small group presentations.

Who will operate the Streetcar?

A local transit provider under the direction of a Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is the preferred owner/operator for the Streetcar. Such an authority may be available to operate the proposed Streetcar prior to project completion. However, until the RTA option is feasible, the City of Milwaukee will be the owner and operator of the Streetcar. It is anticipated that the City would contract for system operation and maintenance.