Joseph McCarthy

Joseph McCarthy | Urban Transit (1951–2000) was an American transportation director known for his contributions to urban transit systems, particularly in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Born in Madison, Wisconsin, McCarthy was raised in Sun Prairie. His parents, John and Margaret McCarthy, worked in transportation, which likely influenced his future career in public transit."Streetcars electrify Kenosha's tourism, transportation options". OnMilwaukee. 31 January 2012. Retrieved September 11, 2024."Kenosha Streetcar Society - History". Kenosha Streetcar Society. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
=====Early Life and Education=====
McCarthy developed a passion for the arts and music during his youth. He played guitar and saxophone and performed with a local band in high school. He also pursued photography, working as a yearbook photographer and wedding photographer."Streetcars electrify Kenosha's tourism, transportation options". OnMilwaukee. 31 January 2012. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
McCarthy attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the early 1970s, where he worked as a lighting technician for concerts."Kenosha Streetcar Society - History". Kenosha Streetcar Society. Retrieved September 11, 2024. After a break to focus on family and career, he returned to complete his degree, earning a Bachelor of Science in public administration and policy analysis with a business minor in 1992."Streetcars electrify Kenosha's tourism, transportation options". OnMilwaukee. 31 January 2012. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
=====Career=====
McCarthy's career in public transportation began with the establishment of McCarthy Transportation Limited, a commuter service between Sun Prairie and Madison. He later joined the Madison Transportation System, where he developed expertise in urban transit, eventually serving as Assistant Transit Manager in Wausau, Wisconsin, and later as Transit Manager."Streetcars electrify Kenosha's tourism, transportation options". OnMilwaukee. 31 January 2012. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
In 1991, McCarthy was appointed Director of Transportation for Kenosha, Wisconsin."Streetcars electrify Kenosha's tourism, transportation options". OnMilwaukee. 31 January 2012. Retrieved September 11, 2024."Kenosha Streetcar Society - History". Kenosha Streetcar Society. Retrieved September 11, 2024. One of his significant achievements was the reintroduction of Kenosha’s streetcar system in 2000. McCarthy played a key role in securing federal and state funding for the project, which integrated historic PCC streetcars into the city's transportation network."Kenosha Overview". Heritage Trolley. Retrieved September 11, 2024."Kenosha Streetcar Circulator Project". Railway Preservation. 15 July 2018. Retrieved September 11, 2024. The 1.7-mile streetcar loop aimed to connect key destinations such as municipal buildings, museums, parks, and the Metra station."Kenosha Overview". Heritage Trolley. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
=====Urban Revitalization and Streetcar Project=====
The reintroduction of the streetcar system was part of a broader urban revitalization effort in Kenosha, following the decline of the downtown area after the closure of the Chrysler auto plant. The project was designed to stimulate economic activity in the downtown area and improve access to public transportation for residents and commuters."Ex-SEPTA PCC 2185 Enters Service in Kenosha". CERA Chicago. Retrieved September 11, 2024. McCarthy’s vision was informed by streetcar systems he had studied in cities like San Francisco and New Orleans."Kenosha Streetcar Society - History". Kenosha Streetcar Society. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
McCarthy’s work on the Kenosha streetcar system garnered attention as a model for integrating sustainable public transportation into urban environments."Kenosha Overview". Heritage Trolley. Retrieved September 11, 2024."Kenosha Streetcar Circulator Project". Railway Preservation. 15 July 2018. Retrieved September 11, 2024. The system was cited as an example in projects such as the Tempe Streetcar Project in Arizona."Federal Transit Administration - Streetcar Case Studies". Federal Transit Administration. Retrieved September 11, 2024."Valley Metro Tempe Streetcar". Logan Simpson. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
=====Broader Contributions=====
In addition to his work in Kenosha, McCarthy was involved with the American Passenger Transportation Association and the Wisconsin Urban Transportation Association."Streetcars electrify Kenosha's tourism, transportation options". OnMilwaukee. 31 January 2012. Retrieved September 11, 2024. He testified before Congress on issues related to urban transit and sustainability, advocating for modern public transportation solutions."Ex-SEPTA PCC 2185 Enters Service in Kenosha". CERA Chicago. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
=====Death and Legacy=====
McCarthy passed away unexpectedly on August 19, 2000, while rollerblading with his wife in Kenosha's HarborPark. His death occurred shortly after the successful launch of the Kenosha streetcar system, which he had worked on for several years."Streetcars electrify Kenosha's tourism, transportation options". OnMilwaukee. 31 January 2012. Retrieved September 11, 2024."Kenosha Streetcar Circulator Project". Railway Preservation. 15 July 2018. Retrieved September 11, 2024. The Joseph McCarthy Transit Center in Kenosha was named in his honor, recognizing his contributions to the city’s transportation infrastructure."Kenosha Overview". Heritage Trolley. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
McCarthy’s work continues to influence urban transportation planning, with the Kenosha streetcar system serving as an example for other cities looking to implement sustainable and accessible public transit systems."Federal Transit Administration - Streetcar Case Studies". Federal Transit Administration. Retrieved September 11, 2024."Valley Metro Tempe Streetcar". Logan Simpson. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
Category:1951 births
Category:2000 deaths
Category:People from Madison, Wisconsin
Category:American people
Category:Department for Transport