Milwaukee’s Common Council has voted in favour of building its downtown light rail line.
Phase one of the city’s streetcar network is expected to cost $123.9 million. Groundbreaking is scheduled to take place later this year and the line is set to open in 2018.
Council president Michael J Murphy said: “We believe the streetcar not only complements a larger transit network, but it also serves as a city-building tool within a broader development plan – a plan that improves mass transit while attracting commercial and residential development in the heart of the city’s tax base.”
He added: “As president of the Common Council and a life-long city resident, I have been saddened to see public dialogue reduced to inflammatory and personal language, especially knowing that while opinions differ, we all wish to see the same outcome – a healthy Milwaukee.”
This is what it takes to get some people to use transit.