Get To Know Your Operator

Name:

Bob Franson

Hometown:

I have lived in Milwaukee for 60 years! I was away in the Marine Corps for a little bit but came back to call Milwaukee home again.

Where did you graduate high school?

Milwaukee Tech

Where did you attend college?

I went straight into the service at 17 years old.

Where did you work prior to joining The Hop?

I worked for the City of Milwaukee for 35 years and then retired. I came out of retirement last winter to work for the county plowing snow and applied to work for The Hop during this time.

What transit experience have you had?

No transit experience before. This was very new to me.

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

I saw it posted on the job website and it just seemed very intriguing and like it would be a new experience.  I have been trained on at least a dozen pieces of equipment with the City of Milwaukee. Learning the operation of the streetcar was a much more in-depth training experience than anything I had gone through before.

Why do you think public transportation is important?

To move people to where they need to go.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

When you get to the end and have to switch cabs and you get to walk through the people and they tell you how great the ride is. Best compliment I have received is that I’m a great operator. It makes you feel good.

What’s your favorite thing about Milwaukee?

There is so much to do, especially in the summer with all the festivals. All year round there are just opportunities galore to explore.

What is your favorite spot of the route?

Café Benelux. I have never been on the second level and would love to go up there sometime.