Ald. Donovan proposes alternative to Milwaukee streetcar

Milwaukee Alderman Bob Donovan has an alternative to the Milwaukee Streetcar.  The system Alderman Donovan is proposing would utilize a smartphone app for riders and would allow on-demand service to key locations in a six-mile service area across Milwaukee. 

“Similar on-demand transit operations are used in Europe, and I believe they are the cutting-edge way of the future,” Alderman Donovan said. “This system would also be smarter, faster and less expensive than the streetcar, and the green technology for some of the vehicles could be made locally by global leaders Johnson Controls or Rockwell Automation.”

Donovan says the streetcar technology is dated.  He believes on-demand services are the wave of the future.

\"My proposal has that high-tech component. It also has a premium transit service that really takes people to every destination spot. From North Avenue to Walkers Point, through the downtown area, all the destinations that people want to go to in Milwaukee.\"

Donovan insists the federal funds allocated for the streetcar can be reallocated, contrary to what many have said.

Donovan acknowledges the Common Council will likely approve the streetcar next week, but wants his plan to be reviewed.