Important Public Meetings on Transit

The Milwaukee Connector Study is holding public meetings to evaluate transit options
for metropolitan Milwaukee. The first meeting takes place tonight, with the final meeting
on February 12. Click on the link below for meeting dates, times and locations, and to
comment if you are unable to attend the meetings:
http://www.milwaukeeconnector.com/public_outreach.html
There has been much discussion about the $91.5 million remaining in federal transit
funds since 1991.
It is important that there be a show of support for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) versus the
limited streetcar system. BRT is the wave of the future, using state-of-the-art hybrid
buses traveling on bus-only lanes with technology to drive down travel times. Other
cities using BRT have seen 30% or more passenger growth. The BRT plan has the
flexibility to adapt to changes in routes to new business developments, without incurring
the high costs associated with extending rail lines.
The streetcar line proposal would only cover a 3-mile loop in downtown Milwaukee, and
use $52 million of the funds. (The mayor recently asked $100 million in federal stimulus
funds just for the streetcar makes you wonder what the true costs really are!). The
streetcar system operated by the City of Milwaukee could cost the Milwaukee County
Transit System (MCTS) up to $3 million in lost state and federal aids, potentially
resulting in cutting 14 existing bus routes. BRT on the other hand would provide service
to transit-dependent people, not just a limited number of downtown workers and visitors.
We need to think broader, bigger and bolder when it comes to transportation we must
think regionally recognizing we operate in an economy that reaches beyond the city
limits. Instead of creating a downtown tourist trolley, the region should move forward
with an aggressive BRT plan one that enhances and supports economic activity and job
creation throughout the county.
We are working with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to get approval of $50
million to all us to move forward with two new BRT routes. This program may be the
quickest path to providing key improvements and upgrades to the transit system. I
remain committed to my belief that the entire $91.5 million must be dedicated to regional
transportation solutions and will continue to work toward that goal.

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