Hybrid streetcars to be used on new Milwaukee system

MILWAUKEE — Officials revealed that Milwaukee's newest form of public transit will sport the latest in streetcar technology: a hybrid car that can operate partly without connection to overhead power lines, WISN reports.

The project's planners, HNTB, announced that the city changed its order for streetcars and will instead buy the hybrid variety that can operate on battery power where there is no overhead power.

The new, hybrid vehicles will cost more than the original ones, but planners said that cost may be offset by the need for fewer power lines. A contractor to build the system could be named within the next two weeks. For the full story, click here.