Streetcars in Kenosha, Wisconsin Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Kenosha Streetcars

A PCC streetcar touring HarborPark

Info

Locale

Kenosha, Wisconsin

Transit type

Heritage streetcar

Number of lines

Number of stations

Operation

Began operation

June 17, 2000

Operator(s)

Kenosha Transit

Technical

System length

1.7 mi (2.7 km)

Track gauge

4 ft 8 ¹⁄₂ in (1,435 mm) standard gauge

Electrification

Overhead line, 600 V DC

Route map

Streetcars are like electric trains that run on tracks in city streets. They were a big part of public transportation in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in the early 1900s. After a break, these cool vehicles returned to Kenosha in the year 2000!

Kenosha's First Streetcars
Modern Streetcar Line
- The "Red Rocket" Streetcars
- Map of the Route
Images for kids
See also

Kenosha's First Streetcars

The first streetcar system in Kenosha was called the Kenosha Electric Railway (KERy). It started running on February 3, 1903. For 29 years, until February 14, 1932, these streetcars helped people get around the city.

The streetcars used back then were called "Birney Safety Cars." These were smaller, lighter streetcars designed to be safe and efficient. Even though the company had different owners over the years, it always kept the name Kenosha Electric Railway.

In 1932, Kenosha switched from streetcars to electric trolley buses. These buses got their power from overhead electric lines, just like streetcars. Kenosha was one of the first cities to use trolley buses for all its public transport. The city also used different colors to show different routes, which was a common idea from the days of horse-drawn streetcars.

Modern Streetcar Line

Green streetcar tracks in Kenosha

Around the year 2000, Kenosha built a new electric streetcar system. This new line uses special historic streetcars called PCC streetcars. It was built as part of the HarborPark area, a new development near Lake Michigan.

This modern streetcar line has become a great example for city planners all over the world. Many people visit Kenosha just to ride the streetcars. About 30% of all visitors to Kenosha use the streetcars!

The tracks for the streetcars were built using crushed concrete. This concrete came from old buildings that used to be in the area. New streets in HarborPark were finished in 1999. Then, crews installed strong, continuous tracks over concrete supports. The electric overhead lines, which power the streetcars, were finished in April 2000. A modern power station makes sure the streetcars get enough electricity.

The "Red Rocket" Streetcars

Kenosha's streetcars are special. They are six historic "Red Rocket" PCC A15-class streetcars. They were originally built in Canada in 1951 for the Toronto Transportation Commission. Each streetcar in Kenosha is painted in a unique way. Each paint scheme represents a famous North American city that also used PCC streetcars.

The first streetcar, named 'Toronto' (number 4610), arrived on May 4, 2000. It was originally car 4541. The other streetcars represent these cities:

4606: Chicago Surface Lines
4609: Pittsburgh Railways Company
4615: Johnstown Traction Company
4616: Cincinnati Street Railways
4617: San Francisco Municipal Railway
2185: Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority

Car 4615 in a Johnstown tribute paint scheme in 2005

The streetcar line officially opened on June 17, 2000. The first ride was by car 4610 'Toronto'. The driver was Richard Lindgren, who had been a streetcar driver for the original Kenosha Electric Railway back in 1932! Public rides started right after the opening event. Regular service began two days later, on June 19, 2000.

The streetcar system is not just for getting around. It has also helped the downtown area grow and become more lively. It quickly became one of Kenosha's most popular tourist spots. In 2005, the city council thought about making the route longer. They wanted to extend it to the southwest and through the Uptown business district. The streetcar line carries over 63,000 passengers every year!

The HarborPark area, which the streetcar serves, has many modern homes, shops, restaurants, and fun places. The streetcar project shows that electric public transport can work well in cities again. It's especially good for short trips.

In October 2011, Kenosha received two more PCC streetcars as a gift. These cars, 4617 and 2185, were donated by John DeLamater. Car 4617 was also built for Toronto in 1951. Car 2185 was built in 1948 for Philadelphia.

In 2014, the city council approved plans for another streetcar line. However, this expansion was canceled in 2015 because it would have cost too much money.