French company Transdev has been chosen as the operator of the 2.1 mile Milwaukee Streetcar. Transdev operates the newly constructed Detroit and Cincinnati streetcar systems in addition to New Orleans’ long operating streetcar network.

“Under the agreement signed with Transdev, the company will be responsible, with policy direction from the City, for all day-to-day operations and vehicle and facilities maintenance.” according to Department of Public Works commissioner Ghassan Korban. “Operations functions include hiring and training staff; managing and conducting vehicle operations and maintenance; maintenance of track, station platforms and support systems; and implementing safety programs.”

Transdev will subcontract for vehicle maintenance with Brookville Equipment Corp., which is also building the fleet of light rail vehicles for Milwaukee Streetcar. The contract runs through 2023.

—Passenger Train Journal