Public transit helps keep Wisconsin connected
Governor Scott Walker has proclaimed March 3 to 9 Wisconsin Transit Week.
Governor Scott Walker has proclaimed March 3 to 9 Wisconsin Transit Week. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and the Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin (TDA) are teaming up to promote and celebrate the transit systems that contribute to the state’s economy and quality of life.
“Nearly half of all Wisconsin transit riders use this form of transportation to get to and from work,” said Department of Transportation Secretary Mark Gottlieb. “Transit provides a mobility option for those who can’t drive, or choose not to drive. Currently, approximately 55 percent of Wisconsin residents have access to public transit. We want to see that number grow to at least 75 percent.”
Wisconsin has 81 public transit systems, which include urban and rural bus systems and shared-ride taxi services. In addition to providing a connection for work, people rely on transit to get to school, go to the doctor, run errands, and visit family and friends.
“Public transit can also play an important role in connecting employees to jobs, career opportunities and job training,” added TDA Executive Director Craig Thompson. “As Wisconsin’s economy continues to pick up steam, we need to make sure all aspects of the transportation system – including public transportation – are working efficiently to keep the economy growing.”
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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I see nothing in this press release to address how the state plans to grow the transit systems to serve 75 per cent of the population, up from the current 55 per cent.
This coming from the same man who, while County Executive in Milwaukee, did everything he could NOT to support transit here? Now, for some reason, he’s all “Go, Transit!”?!? Methinks he doth blather too much! There’s gotta be a campaign contributor behind this. Somehow. And I’m not buying the 55% of the state population with access to transit. Unless “transit” includes things such as taxicabs? Mr. Horne: Maybe you can get to the bottom of yet another slimy barrel of excrement coming out of SW’s mouth. Sorry. I’m normally not so verbally abusive :(. But this guy just burns me. I’ve been saying ever since the gubernatorial election: Canada, here I come!!!!
The 55% is probably correct when you count the shared-ride taxis as mentioned in the release – I live in Ozaukee County and the entire county is served by a shared-ride taxi. Seems like a stretch to call it “public transit”, but it’s there if you need it.
I wonder how they define access – Is all of Milwaukee County included solely because the county has a bus system? Or is access more realistic, where it’s within a reasonable walking distance of your house?
And I agree with Mr. Horne – please provide some details on how the state plans to increase access from 55% to 75%.
Peggy, we forgive you for your foul language. It’s understandable that, when finding it difficult to express your emotions, the easiest way to do so is to default to a lower form of verbal (ok, written this time) communication.
Now, as far as the topic at hand, I just want to clarify something. Even though you would like to see public transit access increased to more people, the fact that Walker said they’d like to do so, makes it a bad idea?
Is there anything that you support, that if Scott Walker decided to support as well, that you would not then say is a bad idea?
It is not surprising that the press release refers to transit as only for, “those who can’t drive, or choose not to drive;” as in driving is the ultimate form of transportation. If we truly had fiscal conservatives in Madison they would support fiscally efficient and sustainable development practices and transit systems which are vastly more efficient than single occupancy vehicle travel and highway expansion.