{{Short description|Streetcar service in Milwaukee, Wisconsin}} {{Use mdy dates|date=July 2025}} {{Infobox tram network | name = The Hop | logo = The Hop Mke logo.png | image = Milwaukee Hop streetcar 02 at Wisconsin Ave northbound stop, on Milwaukee St (2022).jpg | caption = The Hop streetcar at Wisconsin Avenue Northbound station | locale = Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. | open = November 2, 2018 | lines = 2 | owner = City of Milwaukee | operator = Transdev<ref name="railway-age-2017sep"/> | gauge = {{Track gauge|ussg|allk=on}} | electrification = {{750 V DC|conductor=overhead}}<ref name="WTMJ-2018May">{{cite web|last1=Glaszcz|first1=Rachael|last2=Gotter|first2=Brian|title=How will the streetcar handle Milwaukee weather?|publisher=WTMJ|date=May 16, 2018|url=https://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/how-will-the-streetcar-handle-milwaukee-weather-|access-date=August 7, 2018}}</ref> | stock = 5 Brookville Liberty Modern Streetcars | route_length = {{convert|2.5|mi}}<ref name="BizJournal-2018Nov2"/> | stops = 21 | passengers = 2,191 daily<ref>{{cite news|title=Milwaukee streetcar 'The Hop' ridership outpaces estimates|url=https://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/milwaukee-streetcar-the-hop-ridership-outpaces-estimates|access-date=December 1, 2018|work=TMJ4|date=November 30, 2018}}</ref> | map = {{switcher |{{maplink-road|from1=The Hop M-Line.map|from2=The Hop L-Line.map|lat=43.041|long=-87.906|zoom=13}} M-Line highlighted in blue, L-Line highlighted in gold<hr /> |Show interactive map |300px |Show static map |{{Milwaukee Streetcar|inline=yes}} |Show route diagram }} | website = {{URL|thehopmke.com}} }} {{For|the transit system in the greater Milwaukee metro|Milwaukee County Transit System}} thumb|A Hop streetcar on St. Paul Avenue at Plankinton Avenue '''The Hop''', also known as the '''Milwaukee Streetcar''', is a modern streetcar system in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The system's {{convert|2.1|mi|adj=on}}<ref name="dailyreporter-2018mar07">{{cite news |last=Shaw |first=Dan |date=March 7, 2018 |title=Clybourn, Milwaukee intersection to close for streetcar work |url=https://dailyreporter.com/2018/03/07/clybourn-milwaukee-intersection-to-close-for-streetcar-work/ |work=The Daily Reporter |publisher=BridgeTower Media |access-date=November 5, 2018}}</ref><ref name="BizJournal-2018Nov2"/><ref name="Hop-about">{{cite web |url=https://thehopmke.com/about |title=Frequently Asked Questions – About Streetcars |website=thehopmke.com |publisher=City of Milwaukee DPW |access-date=November 5, 2018}}</ref> original M-Line connects the Milwaukee Intermodal Station and Downtown to the Lower East Side and Historic Third Ward neighborhoods.<ref>{{cite news|last=Walker|first=Don|title=Feds approve route change for proposed Milwaukee streetcars|date=January 16, 2015|newspaper=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/feds-approve-route-change-for-proposed-milwaukee-streetcars-b99185530z1-240492721.html|access-date=February 3, 2015}}</ref> On April 11, 2024, a {{convert|0.4|mi|m|adj=on}} Lakefront, or L-Line,<ref name="dailyreporter-2018mar07"/> to the nearly complete high-rise development The Couture, began offering full daily service. Additional extensions for new lines are currently in the planning stage. The system is owned by the city and operated by Transdev.
Construction of the system began in late 2016 and was completed in summer 2018. Service to the public began on November 2, 2018.<ref name="JS-2018Nov2">{{cite news |last=Nelson|first=James B.|title=Everything you need to know about the new Milwaukee streetcar, at least for now |url=https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/2018/11/02/5-key-questions-milwaukee-streetcar-which-launches-friday/1670225002/ |access-date=November 2, 2018 |newspaper=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |date=November 2, 2018}}</ref><ref name="BizJournal-2018Nov2">{{cite news |last=Ryan |first=Sean |title=Milwaukee streetcar draws a crowd on first day of service|newspaper=Milwaukee Business Journal |date=November 2, 2018|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2018/11/02/milwaukee-streetcar-draws-a-crowd-on-first-day-of.html |access-date=November 3, 2018}}</ref>
==History==
===Early Milwaukee streetcars=== In 1860, Milwaukee opened the first line of its original streetcar system using horse-drawn streetcars. The system continued to grow in the late 19th century and into the early 20th century, culminating in a large network of electric streetcar lines.<ref name=PolitifactW2015-08-19> {{cite news | url = http://www.politifact.com/wisconsin/statements/2015/jan/16/jim-steineke/rep-jim-steineke-says-milwaukee-streetcar-would-be/ | title = Rep. Jim Steineke says Milwaukee streetcar would be '1900s style trolley'| publisher = Politifact Wisconsin| last = Nelson| first = James B.| date = January 16, 2015| access-date = August 19, 2016| quote = The previous system began in 1860 with a small network of horse-drawn cars. Those lines eventually grew into a large network powered by electricity. The streetcar became an important part of the city's fabric – and the foundation for the city's electric utility.}}</ref><ref name=X2>{{cite news | url = http://www.thesqueakycurd.com/historical-milwaukee-streetcar-maps/| title = Historical Milwaukee Streetcar Maps| publisher = The Squeaky Curd| access-date = August 19, 2016}}</ref><ref name=TheMilwStreetcarTruth>{{cite news | url = http://www.themilwaukeestreetcar.com/truth-about-milwaukee-streetcar.php| title = Speaking the Truth| publisher = The Milwaukee Streetcar| access-date = August 19, 2016}}</ref>
After World War II, the federal government invested heavily in the development of an interconnected interstate highway system, and raised taxes on private railway and streetcar operators. This stimulated massive urban sprawl and car dependency to the detriment of public transport systems. Commenting on this trend, philosopher and planner Lewis Mumford said when the Interstate Highway Act passed that more damage would be done to American cities in the next 10 years than all the bombing the Germans did to European cities during World War II.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dries |first1=Mike |title=Undoing urban sprawl : Norquist pushes urbanism agenda in attempt to lessen reliance on cars |publisher=Milwaukee Business Journal |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/1997/02/17/story3.html|date=February 16, 1997}}</ref> On March 2, 1958, the city's last streetcar route was closed.<ref name="schultz">{{cite book|last=Schultz|first=Russell E.|title=A Milwaukee Transport Era: The Trackless Trolley Years|date=1980|publisher=Interurbans|location=Glendale, CA|isbn=0-916374-43-2|page=88}}</ref>
The Hop's construction came in the wake of a failed plan to build a light rail system in the Milwaukee area. In 1997, the region was awarded $289 million after local leaders created a plan to build a light rail system, expand Interstate 94, and increase bus service in Waukesha County. The system, if built, would have opened in 2010 and connected major destinations in the region with more than ten miles of track.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The railroad not taken |url=https://archive.jsonline.com/news/opinion/32538794.html |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=archive.jsonline.com}}</ref> However, Republican leaders and Governor Tommy Thompson backtracked and banned use of the funds for a light rail system. Future-alderman Robert Bauman led a group in filing a complaint with the US DOT, stating that the state's action had a discriminatory impact against carless African Americans in Milwaukee.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 15, 2012 |title=Milwaukee Streetcar's Trump Card Over Walker: A 1990s Civil Rights Case — Streetsblog USA |url=https://usa.streetsblog.org/2012/06/15/milwaukee-streetcars-trump-card-over-walker-a-1990s-civil-rights-case |access-date=January 29, 2024 |website=usa.streetsblog.org |language=en}}</ref> The US DOT decided for Bauman's group and the City of Milwaukee and Wisconsin DOT agreed to split the funds equally. Both groups' shares were used for various transportation projects over the years. The City ended up using its remaining $54 million, in addition to $10 million from a tax increment financing district, as its local match to a federal grant.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shields |first=Yvette |date=February 13, 2015 |title=Milwaukee Settles Streetcar Plans |work=The Bond Buyer |volume=1 |issue=F307}}</ref>
===Funding and approval=== The total cost to construct the streetcar was estimated in 2015 to be US$123.9 million (equivalent to ${{Inflation|US|123.9|2015|r=2}} million in {{Inflation/year|US}}).<ref>{{cite web|title=Capital Costs/Construction|url=http://milwaukeestreetcar.com/cost_funding.php|publisher=The Milwaukee Streetcar Project|access-date=February 3, 2015}}</ref> The project was approved by the Milwaukee Common Council on January 21, 2015, and upheld on February 10, 2015, by a vote of 10 to 5.<ref name="council OKs">{{cite news|last=Stephenson|first=Crocker|title=Milwaukee Common Council OKs streetcar plan|newspaper=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|date=February 10, 2015|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/milwaukee-council-set-to-vote-on-approve-streecar-plan-b99441994z1-291390051.html|access-date=February 11, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Streetcar approved">{{cite news|last=Jannene|first=Jeramey|title=Eyes on Milwaukee: Milwaukee Streetcar Approved|newspaper=Urban Milwaukee|date=February 10, 2015|url=http://urbanmilwaukee.com/2015/02/10/eyes-on-milwaukee-milwaukee-streetcar-approved/|access-date=February 13, 2015}}</ref> In October 2015, the project received a federal grant which will cover approximately half the cost of a spur to the lakefront.<ref>{{cite news|title=Streetcar spur to lakefront awarded $14 million federal grant|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2015/10/26/streetcar-spur-to-lakefront-awarded-14-million.html|newspaper=Milwaukee Business Journal|access-date=December 7, 2015}}</ref>
Initial route plans had streetcars run only northbound on Van Buren Street and only southbound on Jackson Street. In February 2016, this split was removed to reduce utility relocation costs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jannene |first=Jeramey |title=Eyes on Milwaukee: $6.5 Million in Streetcar Savings |url=https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2016/02/26/eyes-on-milwaukee-6-5-million-in-streetcar-savings/ |access-date=January 31, 2023 |website=Urban Milwaukee |language=en |date=February 26, 2016}}</ref> In mid-April 2016, the city invited bids for the construction of the project's first phase, with a June 1 due date for proposals. At that time, it was estimated that construction could begin in late summer or early fall 2016 and be completed in 2018.<ref name="js-2016apr">{{cite news|last=Spicuzza|first=Mary|title=City opens bidding to lead Milwaukee streetcar construction project|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/city-opens-bidding-to-lead-milwaukee-streetcar-construction-project-b99708733z1-376096951.html|access-date=April 20, 2016|newspaper=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|date=April 19, 2016|page=3A}}</ref>
===M-Line construction and testing=== [[File:Milwaukee Public Market with streetcar turning from Broadway onto St Paul (2018).jpg|thumb|A Hop car turning from Broadway onto St. Paul Avenue, passing the Milwaukee Public Market]]
On August 19, 2016, Omaha contractor Kiewit Infrastructure was announced as the winning bidder for the contract to construct the line and carhouse.<ref name=BizJ2016-08-19/> In February 2017, it was announced that track construction was projected to begin in April that year, which it did.<ref>{{cite news|last=Handelman|first=Luke|title='Huge project': Welding of steel begins as construction gets underway on controversial streetcar|date=April 4, 2017|publisher=WITI|url=http://fox6now.com/2017/04/04/huge-project-welding-of-steel-begins-as-construction-gets-underway-on-controversial-streetcar/|access-date=April 6, 2017}}</ref><ref name="js-2017feb">{{cite news|last=Spicuzza|first=Mary|title=Milwaukee Streetcar route construction to begin in April|newspaper=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|date=February 17, 2017|url=http://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2017/02/17/milwaukee-streetcar-route-construction-begin-april/98039590/|access-date=February 22, 2017}}</ref><ref name="WDJT-2017feb">{{cite news|last=Aevermann|first=Kyle|title=Milwaukee Streetcar Construction To Begin in April|publisher=WDJT-TV|date=February 17, 2017|url=http://www.cbs58.com/story/34532424/milwaukee-streetcar-construction-to-begin-in-april|access-date=February 22, 2017}}</ref><ref name="WISN-2017feb">{{cite news|last=Wainscott|first=Kent|title=Construction of Milwaukee streetcar to begin in April|publisher=WISN-TV|date=February 17, 2017|url=http://www.wisn.com/article/construction-of-milwaukee-streetcar-to-begin-in-april/8947904|access-date=February 22, 2017}}</ref> Work on utility relocation relating to the project had already started in 2016,<ref>{{cite news |last=Jannene |first=Jeramey |date=February 17, 2017 |title=Streetcar Track Construction Starts in April |url=http://urbanmilwaukee.com/2017/02/17/eyes-on-milwaukee-streetcar-track-construction-starts-in-april/ |work=Urban Milwaukee |access-date=June 28, 2018}}</ref> as did construction of the maintenance facility for the line.<ref>{{cite news |last=Spicuzza |first=Mary |date=April 18, 2016 |title=City opens bidding to lead Milwaukee streetcar construction project |url=http://archive.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/city-opens-bidding-to-lead-milwaukee-streetcar-construction-project-b99708733z1-376096951.html |work=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |access-date=June 28, 2018}}</ref> Installation of the tracks along the route began in May 2017. By March 2018, more than 90% of the track had been installed along the initial line.<ref name="dailyreporter-2018mar07"/>
In mid-2017, the city signed a contract with Transdev to operate and maintain the streetcar system for at least five years.<ref name="railway-age-2017sep">{{cite news|last=Barrow|first=Keith|title=Transdev to operate Milwaukee Streetcar|magazine=Railway Age|date=September 13, 2017|issn=0033-8826|url=http://www.railwayage.com/index.php/passenger/light-rail/transdev-to-operate-milwaukee-streetcar.html|access-date=November 3, 2018}}</ref> The first test trip covering the entire line under power was made on the night of June 18/19, 2018.<ref name="taut-2018aug"/> Training of operators also began that month.<ref name="taut-2018aug"/>
[[File:Opening of Milwaukee's The Hop - crowd at Cathedral Square stop.jpg|thumb|Opening-day crowd at Cathedral Square stop]]
In October 2017, it was announced that a 12-year sponsorship deal, including naming rights, had been reached between the Potawatomi Native American community and the city of Milwaukee. Under the agreement, the Milwaukee Streetcar was formally renamed "The Hop, presented by Potawatomi Hotel & Casino" – The Hop, for short – in exchange for $10 million in funding from the Potawatomi.<ref name="JS-2017oct">{{cite news |last1=Spicuzza |first1=Mary |last2=Glauber|first2=Bill|title=Streetcar gains sponsor: Potawatomi Hotel has inked $10 million deal for 12 years<!--(print-edition title)--> |access-date=August 8, 2017 |newspaper=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |url=https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2017/10/06/milwaukee-streetcar-gets-10-million-scorporate-sponsor-and-name-hop-presented-potawatomi-hotel-casin/740681001/|orig-year=online date October 6|date=October 7, 2017|pages=1A, 10A}}</ref><ref name="WITI-2017Oct">{{cite news |last1=Keith |first1=Theo |title=Milwaukee streetcar to be named "The Hop" under deal with Potawatomi, free rides for a year |url=http://fox6now.com/2017/10/06/mayor-tom-barrett-to-make-major-announcement-about-the-milwaukee-streetcar/ |access-date=August 7, 2018 |publisher=WITI |date=October 6, 2017}}</ref><ref name="BizJournal-2017Oct">{{cite news |last1=Kirchen |first1=Rich |title=Potawatomi deal 'significant step' in avoiding city tax support for Milwaukee streetcar |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2017/10/06/potawatomi-deal-significant-step-in-avoiding-city.html |access-date=August 7, 2018 |work=Milwaukee Business Journal |date=October 6, 2017}}</ref> These corporate sponsorship funds would also allow all Hop service to be free for the first year, city officials said.<ref name="JS-2017oct"/><ref name="WITI-2017Oct"/>
===L-Line and F-Line=== By June 2018, the L-Line had been constructed except for its outermost section, where delays to the start of work on The Couture prevented finishing construction.<ref name="taut-2018aug"/> The planned opening was delayed to late 2019,<ref name="plans" /> then late 2020,<ref name="taut-2018aug"/><ref name="BizJournal-2018Nov2"/> then 2021,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Daykin|first=Tom|title=Long-delayed Couture high-rise receives HUD loan guarantee for $103.5 million, setting the stage for construction.|url=https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/real-estate/commercial/2020/11/23/milwaukees-delayed-couture-wins-103-5-million-hud-loan-guarantee/6391327002/|access-date=November 26, 2020|website=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|language=en-US}}</ref> then September 2023,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Jannene|first=Jeramey|title=Congress Extends Streetcar Grant|url=https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2022/03/16/transportation-congress-extends-streetcar-grant/|agency=Urban Milwaukee|date=March 16, 2022|access-date=October 20, 2023}}</ref> requiring an act of Congress to extend a federal grant program and putting the completion of the L-Line five years behind schedule.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Jannene|first=Jeramey|title=City Needs Act of Congress Because of Couture-Streetcar Delay|url=https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2022/02/01/the-couture-streetcar-grant-could-require-an-act-of-congress/|agency=Urban Milwaukee|date=February 1, 2022|access-date=October 20, 2023}}</ref>
The L-Line opened to the public on October 29, 2023,<ref>{{cite news |title=Milwaukee's streetcar 'The Hop' L-Line route opens to riders |url=https://www.cbs58.com/news/milwaukees-streetcar-the-hop-l-line-route-opens-to-riders |access-date=November 2, 2023 |publisher=WDJT (CBS58) |date=October 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102165330/https://www.cbs58.com/news/milwaukees-streetcar-the-hop-l-line-route-opens-to-riders |archive-date=November 2, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> in a reduced form that only ran on Sundays and bypassed the lakefront. Full daily service, including to The Couture's transit concourse, serving both The Hop and Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS)'s Connect 1, began on April 11, 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kirby |first=Hannah |date=August 22, 2023 |title=The Hop will be debuting its first new route extension on a limited basis this fall. Here's what to know. |work=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |url=https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2023/08/22/the-hop-to-debut-first-new-route-extension-on-limited-basis-this-fall/70649526007/ |access-date=October 20, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Hop's L-Line: Opening Oct. 29, 2023 |website=The Hop |language=en-US |url=https://thehopmke.com/l-line/}}</ref>
In late-June 2024, ahead of the 2024 edition of Summerfest, the system merged its two separate lines into a single line in a temporary "Festival Line" ("F–Line") arrangement. Under this arrangement, all trains serve all stations. This was done in order to increase service to the Lakefront stop (the nearest stop to the north gate of Henry Maier Festival Park) and in hopes of making the system less confusing to festival visitors.<ref>Multiple sources: * {{cite web |title=Milwaukee's The Hop Summerfest 'Festival Line' announced |url=https://www.fox6now.com/news/milwaukees-hop-summerfest-festival-line |website=FOX6 News Milwaukee |access-date=July 17, 2024 |date=May 30, 2024}} * {{cite web |last1=Jannene |first1=Jeramey |title=The Hop's Lines Will Merge For Easier Summerfest Service |url=https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2024/05/30/the-hops-lines-will-merge-for-easier-summerfest-service/ |website=Urban Milwaukee |access-date=July 17, 2024 |language=en |date=May 30, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Dietel1"/> It had initially been slated to end at the close of Summerfest.<ref name="Dietel1">{{cite web |last1=Dietel |first1=Samantha |title=City Extends Use of Combined 'Festival Line' for Downtown Streetcar |url=https://biztimes.com/city-extends-use-of-combined-festival-line-for-downtown-streetcar |website=BizTimes - Milwaukee Business News |access-date=July 17, 2024 |date=July 8, 2024}}</ref> However, on July 11 it was announced that the "Festival Line" arrangement would continue until the end of the summer in order to make the festival grounds more accessible for attendees of other events held there over the summer.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Groth |first1=Alex |last2=Reid |first2=Claire |title=The Hop's Expanded Service Line for Festivals Will Continue to Run All Summer Long in Milwaukee |url=https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/2024/07/11/milwaukee-hop-streetcar-runs-expanded-festival-line-all-summer-2024/74350850007 |website=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |access-date=July 17, 2024 |date=July 11, 2024}}</ref> At the end of July, however, the Milwaukee Common Council voted to discontinue the "F-Line" operations early and return The Hop to its normal two-line operation.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Groth |first1=Alex |last2=Pandey |first2=Maia |title=Common Council Shuts Down The Hop's Festivals Line. What To Know About the Discontinued Service. |url=https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/2024/08/02/milwaukee-common-council-shuts-down-the-hops-festivals-line-early/74649306007/ |website=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |access-date=November 27, 2024}}</ref>
===Future=== {{Update|section|date=July 2023|reason=past grant denials}} Two additional extensions are being planned: one north past Fiserv Forum into Bronzeville and the second as a new branch from the Third Ward and extending south to Walker's Point.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Spicuzza |first1=Mary |title=Milwaukee plans to extend The Hop streetcar route before 2020 Democratic National Convention |url=https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/2019/05/01/dnc-milwaukee-plans-extend-hop-streetcar-2020-convention/3641691002/ |access-date=May 3, 2019 |agency=Journal Sentinel |date=May 1, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Jannene |first1=Jeramey |title=Transportation: No Streetcar Expansion in Time for DNC |url=https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2019/07/23/transportation-no-streetcar-extension-by-dnc-extension-held-again/ |website=Urban Milwaukee |access-date=April 12, 2020 |language=en |date=July 23, 2019}}</ref> A portion of the northerly M-line extension was originally planned to be operational in time for the 2020 Democratic National Convention. For political reasons, construction approval was bundled with planning approval for the Bronzeville and Walker's Point extensions; controversy over the location of the Walker's Point terminal scuttled approval for all three proposals.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sandler |first1=Larry |title=Why The Hop's Expansion Plans Went Off the Rails |url=https://www.milwaukeemag.com/hops-expansion-plans-went-off-rails/ |website=Milwaukee Magazine |access-date=April 12, 2020 |date=December 13, 2019}}</ref> Since the 2020 Democratic National Convention ultimately became a virtual event due to the COVID-19 crisis, the short term need for the partial extension became moot.
The City of Milwaukee has applied for a TIGER Grant to gain federal funds to fund 50% of the system's extension up 4th Street towards the new Fiserv Forum and the Bronzeville neighborhood.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://archive.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/milwaukee-seeks-20-million-grant-for-streetcar-extension-b99715925z1-377616791.html|title=Milwaukee seeks $20 million grant for streetcar extension|date=April 29, 2016|newspaper=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|last=Spicuzza|first=Mary|access-date=February 22, 2017}}</ref>
2023 Wisconsin Act 12 restricts Milwaukee from using any taxes, including tax increment financing (TIF) districts, to operate or expand The Hop.<ref name="dirr">{{Cite news |last=Dirr |first=Alison |date=November 8, 2023 |title=Milwaukee officials want to extend The Hop's route. State lawmakers aren't making it easy |url=https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/2023/11/08/the-hop-milwaukee-expansion-complicated-by-funding-restriction/71494892007/ |access-date=March 11, 2024 |work=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel}}</ref> Before the use of TIF funds for The Hop was made illegal, due to other funding restrictions the state imposes, Milwaukee was forced to disproportionally rely on them for construction of The Hop compared to other American cities that built modern streetcar networks.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 2019 |title=On the Right Track? The Use of TIF for Milwaukee's Streetcar |url=https://wispolicyforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/OnTheRightTrack_FullReport.pdf |access-date=March 11, 2024 |website=Wisconsin Policy Forum |pages=11–19}}</ref> The city cannot proceed with future grants unless it is able to work around state-imposed restrictions to provide a local match.<ref name="dirr" />
==Operations== [[File:Hop streetcar crossing St Paul Avenue Bridge, Nov 2018.jpg|thumb|A streetcar crosses the St. Paul Avenue Bridge over the Milwaukee River]] thumb|A streetcar on opening day, November 2, 2018, stopping at the Burns Commons station thumb|The Hop Milwaukee Streetcar Operations and Maintenance Facility
The system is operated by Transdev, under contract to the city of Milwaukee, the streetcar system's owner.<ref name="railway-age-2017sep"/> The contract goes through December 2023, covering the first five years of in-service operation, with an option for a five-year extension.<ref name="ProgRail-2017sep">{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Transdev to operate, maintain Milwaukee Streetcar|magazine=Progressive Railroading|date=September 7, 2017|issn=0033-0817|url=http://www.progressiverailroading.com/passenger_rail/news/Transdev-to-operate-maintain-Milwaukee-Streetcar--52710|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910120815/http://www.progressiverailroading.com/passenger_rail/news/Transdev-to-operate-maintain-Milwaukee-Streetcar--52710|archive-date=September 10, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=November 3, 2018}}</ref>
Hop service runs seven days a week, from 5 a.m. to midnight Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to midnight Saturdays, and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays.<ref name="JS-2018Nov2"/> Fare-free service originally planned to end after one year is still in effect due to delays in procuring a fare sale/validation system.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Jannene|first=Jeramey|title=Transportation: Free Streetcar Rides Planned for 2020|url=https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2019/06/26/transportation-free-streetcar-rides-planned-for-2020/|access-date=November 27, 2020|website=Urban Milwaukee|language=en}}</ref> The system's car house, its storage and maintenance facility, is on Vel R. Phillips Avenue (4th Street), under an elevated section of the I-794 freeway.<ref name="taut-2018aug"/>
The northern terminus of the M-Line is Burns Commons (Ogden Avenue at Prospect Avenue). From there, the line follows Ogden Avenue in both directions to Jackson Street, turns west on Kilbourn Avenue, then splits; southbound streetcars follow N. Broadway, while northbound streetcars follow N. Milwaukee Street. {{convert|925|m|mi|disp=flip}} later,<ref name="taut-2018aug">{{cite news|title=Milwaukee streetcar set for November opening|work=Tramways & Urban Transit|publisher=Light Rail Transit Association|date=August 2018|location=UK|page=286|issn=1460-8324}}</ref> two-way running resumes at E. St. Paul Avenue. After crossing the Milwaukee River, the line then follows W. St. Paul Avenue in both directions to N. 4th Street, terminating at the Milwaukee Intermodal Station. The total journey length is {{convert|2.1|mi|km}}.<ref name="dailyreporter-2018mar07"/><ref name="BizJournal-2018Nov2"/><ref name="Hop-about"/> Kiosks displaying real-time arrival times are installed at the Intermodal Station, Cathedral Square, and Burns Commons stations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jannene |first=Jeramey |title=Transportation: First Streetcar Smart Kiosks Installed |url=https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2021/04/03/transportation-first-streetcar-smart-kiosks-installed/ |access-date=February 16, 2023 |website=Urban Milwaukee |language=en |date=April 3, 2021}}</ref>{{Update inline|date=October 2023|reason=They got removed a few months ago; find a reliable source that backs this up}}
The new L-Line uses the tracks of the M-Line along Milwaukee Street and Broadway to make a loop around the city's central business district,<ref name="taut-2019feb">{{cite news|last=Simons|first=Vic|title=Revitalising Milwaukee|work=Tramways & Urban Transit|publisher=Light Rail Transit Association|date=February 2019|location=UK|pages=50–53|issn=1460-8324}}</ref> then extends through a covered station within the Couture residential high-rise tower on N. Lincoln Memorial Dr. via E. Michigan St. and E. Clybourn Street.<ref name="plans">{{cite news|last1=Jeramey|first1=Jannene|title=City Advances Streetcar Extension Plans|url=https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2018/05/22/eyes-on-milwaukee-city-advances-streetcar-extension-plans/|access-date=May 29, 2018|agency=Urban Milwaukee|date=May 22, 2018}}</ref>
Of the {{convert|2.1|mi|adj=on}} length of the M-Line, {{convert|1|km|ft|disp=flip}}<ref name="taut-2018aug"/> is not equipped with overhead wires. The streetcars cover these sections along Kilbourn Avenue and Jackson Street powered only by their batteries.<ref name="taut-2018aug"/> About two-thirds of the track sections used for the L-Line are also off-wire.<ref name="taut-2019feb"/>
==Rolling stock== thumb|The first streetcar for The Hop, when newly delivered, March 2018 thumb|right|Interior view On April 6, 2015, the city invited bids for the supply of four streetcars, with the issuing of a request for proposals to interested manufacturers.<ref name=mbj-2015apr7>{{cite news|last1=Ryan|first1=Sean|title=Milwaukee plans to buy four initial streetcars, could pay more than $4M each|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2015/04/06/milwaukeeplanstobuyfourinitialstreetcars.html|newspaper=Milwaukee Business Journal|date=April 7, 2015}}</ref> In November 2015, the city awarded an $18.6-million contract to Brookville Equipment Corporation to build four "Liberty" model streetcars for Milwaukee.<ref>{{cite web|title=Milwaukee Approves Agreement With U.S. Streetcar Manufacturer To Build New System's First Four Vehicles|url=http://www.milwaukeestreetcar.com/news/november-2015.php|publisher=Milwaukee Streetcar|access-date=November 25, 2015|date=November 13, 2015}}</ref><ref name="railway-age-2015nov">{{cite news|last=Vantuono|first=William C.|title=Brookville streetcars for Milwaukee|magazine=Railway Age|date=November 16, 2015|url=http://www.railwayage.com/index.php/passenger/light-rail/brookville-streetcars-for-milwaukee.html|access-date=November 3, 2018}}</ref> A fifth car was added to the order later, to expand the fleet sufficiently to be able to serve the future Lakefront extension.<ref name="brookville-2018mar28">{{cite press release |title=First of five Brookville Liberty Streetcar vehicles for The Hop Streetcar arrives in Milwaukee |url=https://www.brookvillecorp.com/First-Liberty-Streetcar-Delivered-to-Milwaukee.aspws-Corporate.asp |access-date=June 6, 2019 |publisher=Brookville Equipment Corporation |date=March 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606051713/https://www.brookvillecorp.com/First-Liberty-Streetcar-Delivered-to-Milwaukee.asp |archive-date=June 6, 2019}}</ref>
The city specified that the streetcars be capable of operating in service using only battery power part of the time, because almost one third of the line is not equipped with overhead wires;<ref name="taut-2018aug"/> the batteries are charged when the vehicles are on the wired portions of the line. The sections that will be operated on battery power only are along Kilbourn Avenue and Jackson Street.<ref name="taut-2018aug"/> All other parts of the line have overhead wires, although a portion of the future branch to the Lakefront area is also planned to be unwired.
The first of the five vehicles arrived in Milwaukee from Brookville on March 26, 2018,<ref name="JS-first-streetcar">{{cite news |last=Spicuzza |first=Mary |date=March 26, 2018 |title=First new Milwaukee streetcar vehicle rolls into downtown |url=https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2018/03/26/first-new-milwaukee-streetcar-vehicle-rolling-into-downtown/458697002/ |work=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |access-date=March 26, 2018}}</ref> and made the first test run over a short section of the line on April 11.<ref name="taut-2018jun">{{cite news|title=Worldwide Review [regular news section]|work=Tramways & Urban Transit|publisher=Light Rail Transit Association|date=June 2018|location=UK|page=233}}</ref> The cars are numbered 01–05; each is {{convert|67|ft}} long, weighs {{convert|83000|lb|kg t}} and is designed to carry 120 to 150 passengers.<ref name="JS-first-streetcar"/> On May 14, 2018, the second streetcar was delivered,<ref>{{cite news |last=Delong |first=Katie |date=May 13, 2018 |title=2nd streetcar vehicle for 'The Hop' arrives in Milwaukee Monday |url=http://fox6now.com/2018/05/13/2nd-streetcar-vehicle-for-the-hop-arrives-in-milwaukee-monday/ |publisher=WITI (Fox 6) |access-date=May 5, 2018}}</ref> followed by the third on July 26. The fifth and final car on order was delivered on September 7, 2018.<ref name="taut-2018nov">{{cite news|title=Worldwide Review [regular news section]|work=Tramways & Urban Transit|publisher=Light Rail Transit Association|date=November 2018|location=UK|page=434}}</ref> [[File:The Hop L-Line at the Couture.jpg|thumb|A vehicle exiting the base of The Couture. Vehicles started operation through here in 2023, even before the station (and tower) were completed.]]
==Stations== {| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" |- !rowspan=2|Stop ! colspan=2|Line(s) !rowspan=2|Neighborhood(s) !rowspan=2|Connections |- ! M ! L |- |Burns Commons | {{yes|✓}} | {{no|X}} | The Lower East Side ||{{bus icon}} MCTS: Route 30 |- |Ogden/Astor ({{abbr|WB|Westbound}} and {{abbr|EB|Eastbound}}) | {{yes|✓}} | {{no|X}} | The Lower East Side ||{{bus icon}} MCTS: Routes 14, 30 |- |Ogden/Jackson {{abbr|WB|Westbound}} | {{yes|✓}} | {{no|X}} | rowspan=2| The Lower East Side | rowspan=2| {{bus icon}} MCTS: Routes 15, 30 |- |Ogden/Jackson {{abbr|EB|Eastbound}} | {{yes|✓}} | {{no|X}} |- |Jackson/Juneau {{abbr|SB|Southbound}} | {{yes|✓}} | {{no|X}} | rowspan=2| Yankee Hill | rowspan=2| {{bus icon}} MCTS: Routes 15, 33 |- |Jackson/Juneau {{abbr|NB|Northbound}} | {{yes|✓}} | {{no|X}} |- |Cathedral Square ({{abbr|WB|Westbound}} and {{abbr|EB|Eastbound}}) | {{yes|✓}} | {{no|X}} | East Town ||{{bus icon}} MCTS: Route 30 |- |City Hall {{abbr|SB|Southbound}} | {{yes|✓}} | {{yes|✓}} | rowspan=2| East Town | rowspan=2| {{bus icon}} MCTS: Routes 15, 18, 57, GreenLine |- | City Hall {{abbr|NB|Northbound}} | {{yes|✓}} | {{yes|✓}} |- |Wisconsin Avenue {{abbr|SB|Southbound}} | {{yes|✓}} | {{yes|✓}} | rowspan=2| East Town | rowspan=2| {{bus icon}} MCTS: Routes 14, 30, CONNECT 1 BRT |- | Wisconsin Avenue {{abbr|NB|Northbound}} | {{yes|✓}} | {{yes|✓}} |- | Clybourn at Jefferson | {{no|X}} | {{yes|✓}} | | |- | Lakefront | {{no|X}} | {{yes|✓}} | | {{bus icon}} MCTS: CONNECT 1 (BRT) |- | Michigan at Jackson | {{no|X}} | {{yes|✓}} | | |- | Historic Third Ward {{abbr|WB|Westbound}} | {{yes|✓}} | {{no|X}} | rowspan=2| Historic Third Ward | rowspan=2| {{bus icon}} MCTS: Routes 15, 18, GreenLine |- | Historic Third Ward {{abbr|EB|Eastbound}} | {{yes|✓}} | {{yes|✓}} |- |St. Paul/Plankinton {{abbr|WB|Westbound}} | {{yes|✓}} | {{no|X}} |rowspan=2| Station District |rowspan=2| |- |St. Paul/Plankinton {{abbr|EB|Eastbound}} | {{yes|✓}} | {{no|X}} |- |Milwaukee Intermodal Station | {{yes|✓}} | {{no|X}} | Station District || {{plainlist}} * {{ric|Amtrak|name=y}}: {{lnl|Amtrak|Borealis}}, {{lnl|Amtrak|Hiawatha}}, {{lnl|Amtrak|Empire Builder}} * {{bus icon}} MCTS: Routes 12, 31, 34, 57, BlueLine * {{rint|bus}} Badger Bus, WCL/Coach USA, Greyhound, FlixBus, Lamers, Jefferson Lines, Indian Trails, Megabus {{endplainlist}} |}
==Ridership== The busiest day for The Hop was July 13, 2019, with 9,000 riders.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://thehopmke.com/ridership/ | title=The Hop MKE | Milwaukee Streetcar }}</ref>
<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-19|title=2024 Q4 Ridership report|url=https://www.apta.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-Q4-Ridership-APTA.pdf|access-date=2026-01-21 |website=APTA |publisher=APTA |language=en-US}}</ref>
{{ #invoke:Chart | bar-chart | x legends=:: 2020 :::: 2024 : | group 1=156492:760321:261303:301170:372107:494445:532460:494557 | group names=Trips }}
==See also== * Milwaukee County Transit System * Streetcars in North America * List of streetcar systems in the United States
== References == {{Reflist|30em|refs= <ref name=BizJ2016-08-19> {{cite news | url = http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2016/08/19/milwaukee-hires-lead-streetcar-contractor-allowing.html | title = Milwaukee hires lead streetcar contractor, allowing work to begin as early as fall | newspaper = Milwaukee Business Journal | last = Ryan | first = Sean | date = August 19, 2016 | access-date = August 19, 2016 | quote = Kiewit Infrastructure Co. of Omaha, Neb., was selected for the estimated $60 million contract to lead the first phases of Milwaukee's streetcar construction. }} </ref> }}
==External links== {{Commons category}} * [https://thehopmke.com The Hop Streetcar]
{{coord|43|02|03|N|87|55|02|W|type:landmark_region:US-WI|display=title}}
{{Southeast Wisconsin Transit System}} {{Wisconsin public transit}} {{USLightRail}} {{Modern Streetcars}}
Category:Streetcars in Wisconsin Category:Transportation in Milwaukee Category:Railway lines opened in 2018 Category:Electric railways in Wisconsin Category:2018 establishments in Wisconsin Category:750 V DC railway electrification