Expansion

The vision for The Hop has always been to serve as a catalyst for economic growth, first in the heart of the city and then continuing into the surrounding neighborhoods. Our first step forward in realizing that vision is a bold proposal to expand the system, first to Wisconsin Avenue to provide needed connections to Westown destinations like the Wisconsin Center and Fiserv Forum, and then into the adjacent Bronzeville and Walker’s Point continuing neighborhoods.

The first phase of the proposed expansion would involve a 0.4 mile spur continuing north from the Intermodal Station along Vel R. Phillips Ave. and Fifth St. This extension will bring riders to the front door of the convention center while providing more convenient access to the Fiserv Forum and Deer District. The project is a continuation of the Locally Preferred Alternative already adopted by the Common Council.

The second phase involves beginning engineering and environmental work on an additional 2.4 miles of track to extend north into Bronzeville and south into Walker’s Point. Advancing this portion of the extension into the engineering and design phase will position the City to receive up to $80M in matching federal funds through a predictable federal program used by transit systems across the country.

Together, these two phases of expansion will complement numerous other development projects already underway, including the Deer District, Journal Sentinel redevelopment, Convention Center expansion, The Avenue redevelopment, Bronzeville Cultural and Entertainment District, The Griot, Reed Street Yards, and Schuster’s Redevelopment.