Trolleys helped Altoona and the rest of the Chippewa Valley a lot. One way is the publicity. Eau Claire was the 4th city in the U.S.A. to get an electric trolley system, so some people
came and visited the town. That helped give publicity to Altoona as well. Trolleys also just helped the general citizens. It was easier to travel within the city, and from city to city around the Chippewa Valley.