feature article - july 2007

Downtown Trolleys provide free fun

THE CLANG, CLANG of Milwaukee’s trolleys once again is being heard throughout downtown this summer. 

With the slogan “Hop n’ Shop, Wine n’ Dine – It’s all on our route!” the bus-type trolleys operate on a 20-minute schedule, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. The trolleys will operate through August 18 and are free.

This summer’s revised route travels the Westown, East Town and Historic Third Ward neighborhoods. The trolleys also offer convenient stops at many downtown attractions, including the Milwaukee Public Market, Midwest Airlines Center, Milwaukee Public Museum, Jazz in the Park, River Rhythms, the farm markets, Milwaukee Art Museum, Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin, Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, and the theater and hotel districts.

Route and schedule information can be found at www.ridemcts.com/trolley or by calling 414.344.6711. 

The downtown trolleys are funded by a group of private and non-profit organizations led by Milwaukee Downtown, Business Improvement District (BID) #21. 

“Given its successful ridership, we’re ecstatic to announce that the trolleys are back in business this season,” said Beth Nicols, executive director of Milwaukee Downtown BID #21.  “The shortened route will make it more convenient for downtown visitors to grab a quick bite, visit a museum or peruse our boutiques.  ‘Hop n’ Shop, Wine n’ Dine’ really provides our visitors with a succinct connection to our retailers and restaurants.”

Milwaukee Downtown BID #21 is an organization established in 1998 to support the interests of the downtown Milwaukee business community.  Created through private sector leadership, Milwaukee Downtown is a management district organization that oversees 120 square blocks representing approximately 400 property owners in the center of downtown Milwaukee.  The organization funds specific initiatives aimed at creating a clean, safe and friendly downtown.  Visit www.MilwaukeeDowntown.com for more information.