As city and county officials continue to bicker about transportation issues, business leaders and Milwaukee Downtown, Business Improvement District #21, move ahead with another summer of free trolleys in Downtown Milwaukee.

Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) declined to operate and charter the trolleys as it has in the past, so the Loop Group (the entity in charge of the trolley plan) agreed to a two-year deal with Transit Express to provide free service in brand new trolleys.

"With hundreds of retail, cultural and dining experiences, the Milwaukee Trolley Loop is an easy way to get around Downtown and a great way to see all of our wonderful Downtown neighborhoods," said Beth Nicols, executive director, Milwaukee Downtown, B.I.D. #21. "Given the 'jump at the pump' it's an even better way to have some affordable family fun this summer season Downtown."

The trolleys operate 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Wednesdays-Saturdays from June through August. The route rolls through Westown, East Town and the Historic Third Ward neighborhoods with stops at many Downtown attractions, including the Milwaukee Public Market, Midwest Airlines Center, Milwaukee Public Museum, Jazz in the Park, River Rhythms, the farm markets, Milwaukee Art Museum, Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin, Betty Brinn Children's Museum, and the theater and hotel districts.