The Milwaukee Streetcar, The Hop, Has Been Up and Running for Over a Month

The Milwaukee streetcar system, “The Hop”, has been up and running since Nov. 2 of this year, however some residents may be unfamiliar with the details of the new mode of transportation. 

The Hop is an electric streetcar that runs over two miles around Milwaukee’s Lower East Side, Downtown and Historic Third Ward neighborhoods. There are 10 stations where passengers can board for free for the first year of operation, provided by The Hop’s main sponsor: Potawatomi Hotel and Casino. The entire line is owned and operated by Transdev, with the contract extending until December of 2023. 

Although the electric vehicle itself is a new concept, Milwaukee has had a variety of streetcars dating back to the late 1800s, when horse-drawn streetcars were the way to go. Those horse-drawn streetcars continuously evolved to electric means until the last route was shut down in the 1950s, according to Urban Milwaukee. 

Almost 60 years later, Milwaukee has brought back the classic car with a modern twist. One Milwaukee resident, Mitch Teich, works downtown around the busy intersection of East Wisconsin Ave. and North Water St., making efficient transportation a must. Teich got the chance to take the tourist route during The Hop’s opening weekend and he continues to utilize it. 

“I am pretty favorably impressed,” Teich said. “It runs on schedule, is clean, smooth and efficient. Honestly, it is like an out-of-town body experience, in the sense that it gives me a view of the city that I’ve never had before. It is almost like being in a different city.” 

Teich isn’t alone when it comes to favorable views of the streetcar. Since opening, it’s seen a lot of use. However, one question that arises is whether it’s lack of fare is the cause of the high usage. Until next November, though, it’s expected that Milwaukee residents, especially those looking to get around downtown, will continue to highly appreciate the change of pace.