The city of Milwaukee and Brookville Equipment Corp. agreed to terms on Nov. 13, for the supply of four Liberty Modern Streetcars to the city’s 2.1- route-mile starter line in a contract valued at $18,620,841, with an option for an additional 20 vehicles to support the system’s expected expansion and future development.
The Liberty Modern Streetcars will draw power from an overhead contact system (OCS) while navigating key commercial and residential segments of Milwaukee’s urban core. Landmarks and attractions along the route will include Milwaukee Public Market, the historic Third Ward neighborhood, East Town, Lower East Side, and Cathedral Square Park, while also connecting riders to the city’s downtown intermodal station, providing service to 1.4 million annual users.
Milwaukee’s streetcars will feature an 8 foot, 8 inch body width, a majority low-floor design with station-level boarding, and provide seating for 32 passengers, with additional standing room providing the ability to comfortably transport more than 150 passengers. Rider amenities will include, bicycle racks and an HVAC system adapted to meet the needs of Milwaukee’s seasonal climate.
Delivery of the streetcars will begin in the third quarter of 2017, with all four initial vehicles on-site by the first quarter of 2018.
“Milwaukee is yet another American city that sees the value in streetcars as a transit and development tool,” said Brookville Vice President of Business Development Joel McNeil. “We are eager provide an American-designed streetcar that is part of a system that the city and its people can be proud of as this forward-thinking initiative comes to fruition and continues to expand.”