Looking ahead: The future of streetcars

摘要

What's next for modern streetcars? A number of expansions of existing systems are in various stages of planning and development across the country, and for aficionados who want to see completely new systems, the following cities are vying for your next transit visit. MILWAUKEE: The Milwaukee Streetcar began construction earlier this year and is on track for a fall 2018 opening. A newly announced sponsorship agreement with Potawatomi Hotel and Casino includes new branding for the streetcar, which will be called "The Hop presented by Potawatomi Hotel and Casino." The deal, worth $10 million, includes free rides for the first year of operation, with future fares anticipated to be $1. Capital costs for the 2.1-mile Phase 1 and 0.4-mile Phase 2 are estimated at $128 million and are funded through an approximately 50/50 federal/local match. That funding includes $54.9 million in Federal ICE funding and $14.2 million in TIGER IV grant funding, with the remaining $59 million supplied through a variety of local Tax Increment Financing Districts.