35 'smart kiosks' coming to Milwaukee streetcar route this spring

The Milwaukee streetcar's route will be dotted with 35 digital kiosks called "CityPosts" this spring.   

The two-sided kiosks from Smart City Media will be on streetcar platforms or near the  2.1-mile route that runs in a loop through eastern downtown to the edge of the Historic Third Ward.

The kiosks have 55-inch interactive touch screens that will feature content in multiple languages to help users navigate the transit system and the city and find information including community calendars, business directories and more, according to a statement from the city.

The screens will also show arrival times for the streetcar, advertising and other local content when they're not in use.

They'll also be a source for free public Wi-Fi and the kiosks' cameras will be integrated into the Milwaukee Police Department's surveillance systems.

The kiosks are expected to generate $300,000 to $500,000 in annual ad revenue to support the operations of the city's streetcar, dubbed "The Hop."

The 10-year agreement provides that Smart City Media will own and maintain the kiosks and the city will receive a share of the revenue generated. The city will receive 20% in years 1 through 3, 25% in years 4 through 6, and 33% in years 7 through 10, with the possibility that the city's share could increase faster depending on revenue generated. 

The kiosks' locations will be determined in the next few weeks, and installation is expected to be done before the Democratic National Convention comes to Milwaukee July 13-16.

Contact Alison Dirr at 414-224-2383 or adirr@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter @AlisonDirr.