Milwaukee — Streetcar Acquisition Process Begins

Rail Transit Online, September 2010

The city has issued a request for information (RFI) to potential suppliers of six modern streetcars for the proposed Milwaukee Connector Streetcar Project.

Preliminary engineering is currently underway on an approximately two-mile (3.2 km) starter route operating in mixed traffic that will connect principal destinations in the central business district with the Milwaukee Intermodal Station and residential areas just ust north of downtown.

Two route extensions totaling 1.55 mi. (2.5 km) are also included in the preliminary engineering. The primary objectives of the RFI are to initiate interest on the part of manufacturers; to aid the city in developing a solicitation; facilitate ongoing preliminary design work so as not to exclude any potential vehicle suppliers; determine if a proposed vehicle delivery schedule is feasible; and solicit industry comments and recommendations.

Project funding will come from $54.9 million in federal grants already appropriated, requiring vendors to meet Buy America requirements. Revenue service is tentatively set to begin in November 2013, requiring vehicle delivery to start no later than July 2013, based on a projected contract award in April 2011. The entire fleet would have to be commissioned no later than Sept. 1, 2013.

City officials believe that a successful starter line will be the foundation for future expansions into nearby districts.

www.milwaukeeconnector.com