Clark, who owned the railway system in Butte, envisioned the Missoula system as extending to Hamilton and Great Falls.  Though it never accomplished that, these electric cars created more demand for electricity at his new dam.  These street cars were the first in the country to use one-man crews on double-track street cars.

Residents of Bonner-Milltown repeatedly noted that the cars were dependable.  They ran every hour from 7:30 AM.  The last streetcar left Missoula at midnight and arrived at 12:30 AM, making it possible to go to the movies in Missoula and catch the street car home.  More than one old-time resident noted that the conductor sometimes would delay the midnight start from Missoula so that everyone could get home. 

The fare from Bonner to Missoula was $0.15.  Since the Bonner School only went through 8th grade, in 1911 school trustees agreed to pick up the tab for high school students so they could ride the street car for free.  Men from Missoula could work at the mill by taking the street car and it was said that many Milltown women would start their husband’s dinner when the 4:30 PM street car went by.  Supplies were also transported by the streetcar.  Once Clark’s Riverside Park opened, a special open car went to the Park several times on a summer Sunday afternoon.

The availability of personal cars (especially Model Ts) spelled the end of the streetcar.  It discontinued service January 24, 1932.  Many still believe life in Milltown was somewhat better during the streetcar days because of the convenience of public transportation.  The Bonner street car has been restored by the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula and will be permanently housed at the Museum when a protective structure for it is completed.