MILWAUKEE -- 35 new digital kiosks called 'CityPosts' are coming to downtown Milwaukee as part of a new partnership launched by streetcar service The Hop.

The kiosks, part of a new partnership with Smart City Media, are designed to support streetcar operations "while fostering stronger connections between the streetcar route and key activity centers throughout the central business district."

Each kiosk will be dual sided, with 55-inch touchscreens that are fully interactive and ADA accessible. They will display helpful local content about transit, community calendars, landmarks, and other city information. As an added bonus, each kiosk also provides free public WiFi and contains security cameras that will be linked into the Milwaukee Police Department's existing surveillance network.

“Our smart kiosk program will be a tremendous asset to the entire community and significantly enhance the streetcar experience for regular riders and visitors alike,” Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said. “Our vision for the streetcar has always been for it to bridge gaps between centers of activity in the city, making the people and places that make our city great more accessible and connected. This kiosk program will help us bridge the gaps between high-traffic downtown areas while generating a meaningful revenue stream to support our streetcar operations.”

While they're not in use, the CityPost kiosks will display streetcar arrival times as well as advertisements and public service announcements.

“We are thrilled to launch this partnership with the City of Milwaukee and begin implementing our award-winning smart city solutions in this city on the rise,” Smart City Media CEO and President Tom Touchet said. “Our CityPost kiosks infuse media, technology and interactivity into public spaces, creating a synergy that provides tremendous benefits for the entire community. We look forward to contributing to a more dynamic and connected streetcar system and downtown environment in Milwaukee.”

The service comes at no cost to the city, according to a news release. Smart City will own and mantain all the kiosks throughout at 10-year agreement. Installation is expected to begin in spring and be completed by this summer's Democratic National Convention.

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