Get To Know Your Operator

Name:

Ventson Jones Jr.

Hometown:

Milwaukee, born and raised. I grew up on the north side near the Sherman Park area.

Where did you graduate high school:

Pulaski High School

Where did you attend college:

I’m finishing up my associates degree in business at MATC.

Where did you work prior to joining The Hop:

When I was 18 I started working at the airport as a skycap. It was mostly customer service. It was exciting to always meet new people who were flying in and out and be helpful to them. I’ve also worked as a valet at a hotel near here.

Why do you think public transportation is important:

Public transportation is important to a city in many different ways. It helps employees who may need a way to get back and forth to work. I didn’t have a car when I first started working so if there wasn’t good public transportation it would have been very hard. There weren’t a lot of jobs in the neighborhood I was in. As far as the streetcar, I think it will be a hallmark showing that the city is moving forward. I think it will bring more tourism to the city. It will bring about more conversations about Milwaukee as a city, and hopefully it will do well and help other cities get streetcars as well.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job:

My previous jobs were in customer service, so it’s always been about meeting people and helping people. We’ll be providing an important service to help people get to where they need to go.

What is your favorite destination along the route:

My favorite spot is near the end of the route by Burns Commons. I love that lower east side neighborhood and being by the lake.