September 2018 – The Hop
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Get To Know Your Operator

The first class of operators has become certified to operate The Hop. The group participated in an intensive months-long program that covered all of the intricacies of the Brookville Liberty Modern Streetcars. From standard operating procedures to customer service, these men and women are now experts on the vehicles, the route and the services passengers will enjoy beginning this fall. Each week we’ll be spotlighting one operator for The Hop and sharing their unique stories.

Name:

Ariane Nelson

Hometown:

Chicago, Illinois

Where did you graduate high school:

Madison University High School on Milwaukee’s northwest side.

Where did you work prior to joining The Hop:

Regional Transportation District in Denver, Colorado.

Why did you decide to pursue an operator position with The Hop:

This is exciting. It’s something new for the city. I began following the project after I first heard about it while I was still in Colorado. It also gives me a great opportunity to be around family again. I was able to come back home.

Why do you think public transportation is important:

It improves the community. It can show you how diverse we are as a city. You might get to ride next to someone you normally wouldn’t meet or speak to. It also provides a convenient way for people to get around the city.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job:

Given that we’re just starting up, I’ve enjoyed being able to teach others what I’ve learned as we’ve gone through the training.

What is your favorite destination along the route:

The Public Market is definitely the highlight of the route for me.

Get To Know Your Operator

The first class of operators has become certified to operate The Hop. The group participated in an intensive months-long program that covered all of the intricacies of the Brookville Liberty Modern Streetcars. From standard operating procedures to customer service, these men and women are now experts on the vehicles, the route and the services passengers will enjoy beginning this fall. Each week we’ll be spotlighting one operator for The Hop and sharing their unique stories.

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.

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