Project Profile: The Hop Streetcar, Milwaukee

The Hop Streetcar is a modern light rail transit system engineered to enhance urban mobility and stimulate economic development in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This project profile details the technical specifications, phased implementation, and strategic objectives of the system, which serves as a critical infrastructure link within the city’s primary commercial and residential corridors.

Technical Specifications

The Hop Streetcar system is defined by its integration of modern rolling stock and standardized power and track infrastructure. The vehicle fleet consists of Liberty Modern Streetcars manufactured by Brookville Equipment Corporation, featuring low-floor designs for high accessibility and passenger capacity. Power is delivered via a conventional overhead catenary system, minimizing the need for complex and costly proprietary charging solutions. The track system utilizes embedded girder rails, which are set flush with the existing streetscape to reduce visual intrusion and maintain traffic flow for other vehicles. The project’s delivery was managed using a Construction Management at Risk (CM at Risk) model, which proved effective in controlling costs and coordinating the complex utility relocations required in a dense urban environment.

Key Takeaways

• Economic Catalyst: The streetcar route was strategically designed to connect key economic hubs, including the Milwaukee Intermodal Station, the Central Business District, and the Historic Third Ward, fostering transit-oriented development and increasing property values along the corridor.
• Phased Expansion Model: The project’s development in distinct, manageable phases provides a scalable model for urban transit implementation. The initial operating segment established a core service spine, with future extensions planned to connect additional residential and commercial districts based on ridership data and funding availability.
• Last-Mile Connectivity: The Hop serves a critical role in solving the “last-mile” problem by seamlessly integrating with the city’s existing bus network and the Intermodal Station, which provides regional rail and bus services. This creates a more cohesive and user-friendly public transportation network.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will The Hop Streetcar expansion be completed?

The initial 2-mile M-Line of The Hop Streetcar is fully operational. Several expansions, including the L-Line extension to the lakefront, have been planned. As of early 2026, these proposed expansions are in various stages of planning and securing funding, with construction timelines yet to be finalized pending official approvals.

Who is building The Hop Streetcar?

The initial construction of The Hop Streetcar was led by Kiewit Infrastructure. The streetcar vehicles, known as the Liberty model, are manufactured by Brookville Equipment Corporation. The system is operated and maintained by Transdev, a global public transportation operator.