Milwaukee, Nov. 02, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The long-awaited streetcar, The Hop, launches its initial 2.5-mile loop on the streets of Milwaukee today. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, rides on The Hop will be free for its inaugural year.
The Hop is the perfect way for visitors and locals alike to get from the city’s terminus at the Intermodal Station to Milwaukee’s world-class attractions, restaurants, shops, and more.
“Milwaukee is in the midst of an unprecedented downtown boom and The Hop is a critical part of connecting it all,” says VISIT Milwaukee CEO Paul Upchurch. “We know visitors, whether they’re here for business or leisure, will enjoy the convenience and affordability that this fixed-transit system brings.”
Just three blocks from the Wisconsin Center and about five blocks from Fiserv Forum, The Hop not only makes getting around easier, but also has an impact on the local economy. Milwaukee’s Mayor Tom Barrett has said that property taxes along the M-line route have already increased 28 percent. The city also projects that The Hop could generate $3.35 billion in new development in the downtown area.
What visitors need to know about The Hop:
• The Hop will run every day, Monday through Friday: 5 a.m. – 12 a.m.; Saturday: 7 a.m. – 12 a.m. and Sunday: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• The 5 streetcars will stop at all 18 stations along the 2.5-mile loop every 10-15 minutes, so your ride will never be far away.
• Each car has a capacity of 150 passengers, seated and standing, and two doors per side for fast boarding.
• Each car, which offers a clean and quiet ride, has 32 seats: 14 on each end of the vehicle plus 4 flip-down seats in the center.
• Its low-floor design is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and each car features roll-on/roll-off access for wheelchairs, strollers, and bikes.
• You can find the M Line’s route map at visitmilwaukee.org/streetcar, or order a copy of the Official Visitors Guide here. You can also find more information about The Hop at thehopmke.com.
About VISIT MilwaukeeVISIT Milwaukee is the Greater Milwaukee area’s convention & visitors bureau, marketing the destination as a top choice for business, convention, and leisure travel to national and international visitors to increase the economic impact of tourism in the region. Each year, tourism supports over 50,000 full-time jobs and brings in over $5 billion to the community. VISIT Milwaukee has over 680 members, including hotels/motels, restaurants, attractions, services and area businesses. The City of Wauwatosa, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino and the Wisconsin Center District are strategic partners with VISIT Milwaukee, providing funding support for conventions and tourism programs. For more information call 1-800-554-1448 or visit www.visitmilwaukee.org.
Attachments