The Hop is Milwaukee’s first embedded-track streetcar that is helping better connect residents to jobs, educational institutions and local attractions.  

HNTB led the preliminary engineering, environmental documentation and final design for the 2.1 mile route, which includes 18 stations. Additional support for the project included assisting the City of Milwaukee with Federal Transit Administration coordination, extensive public involvement and as well as ridership projections. 

The Hop is the first system in the U.S. to use wireless switch technology via GPS and also utilizes GPA and wireless communication with active signals to enhance safety and efficiency. The off-wire technology makes the Milwaukee Streetcar one of the only rail systems to operate on lithium-ion batteries, promoting greater environmental sustainability and aesthetic beauty in the downtown area.

The ENR Midwest 2019 Best Projects list features the Milwaukee Streetcar as Best Project in the Transit category. Read more.

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Client: City of Milwaukee