Milwaukee sets Nov. 2 for streetcar's debut

Milwaukee will launch service on its new streetcar service, dubbed The Hop, on Nov. 2, Mayor Tom Barrett announced late last week.

City officials will host a grand opening ceremony Nov. 2 in Cathedral Square Park in downtown Milwaukee. The park is adjacent to the streetcar's eastbound and westbound platforms on Kilbourn Avenue in the downtown.

The streetcar's opening will mark a historic milestone for the city, Barrett said in a press release.

"The Hop will be a tremendous asset to the city and a key contributor to the renaissance we're experiencing in Milwaukee," said Barrett. "Whether you live downtown, work downtown, or just enjoy experiencing all of the incredible energy, excitement and amenities the city has to offer, ride The Hop and help keep Milwaukee moving forward.”

The Hop's initial 2-mile route will start at the Amtrak-served Milwaukee Intermodal Station and operate in and around the downtown.

The city contracted Kiewit Infrastructure to build the infrastructure and a maintenance facility, and Brookville Equipment to manufacture five streetcar vehicles.

To learn more about the reasons why Milwaukee and other cities are pursuing starter streetcar systems, read this article in the September issue of Progressive Railroading.