Council approves amended bus rapid transit resolution
Legislation protects city taxpayers and city priorities
The Common Council today unanimously approved an amended resolution that puts conditions on any possible City of Milwaukee involvement in the future development of a bus rapid transit (BRT) line along the East-West Corridor through portions of the city.
Alderman Michael J. Murphy, the lead sponsor on the legislation (Council file # 170541), said the resolution provides clear protections for city taxpayers and city interests if the BRT is moved forward by Milwaukee County and the Milwaukee County Transit System. He said the plan to use dedicated traffic lanes for east-west BRT buses on W. Blue Mound Rd. was “simply not practical.”
“After careful review of the BRT analysis and listening to area citizens and businesses at various public hearings, it doesn’t seem practical to develop and use single, dedicated lanes west of Hawley Road (on Blue Mound). The only way this project could move forward is if the BRT buses operate in mixed traffic,” Alderman Murphy said. Legislation co-sponsor Alderman Robert J. Bauman said the amended resolution approved today also includes other key requirements and stipulations.
“The amended resolution stipulates that the city ‘shall not incur any direct or indirect expenses, including the forfeiture of any revenue, related to the development or operation of the BRT system’ and that it ‘shall not contribute financially to the development or management of the BRT system, nor provide assistance or management of the BRT system, unless reimbursed,’” Alderman Bauman said. Alderman Murphy said he and Alderman Bauman will continue to keep a close eye on the County-led BRT project and will make sure citizens are kept informed about developments.
News release from Aldermen Michael J. Murphy and Robert J. Bauman
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.
More about the East-West BRT Line
- Transportation: Off-Board Fare Collection Begins on Connect 1 - Graham Kilmer - Apr 16th, 2024
- Streetcar Begins Daily Service To The Couture, BRT Will Soon Follow - Jeramey Jannene - Apr 11th, 2024
- Transportation: Connect 1 Ridership Continues to Grow - Graham Kilmer - Nov 23rd, 2023
- Transportation: Battery Electric Buses Will Return This Fall - Graham Kilmer - Sep 8th, 2023
- Transportation: MCTS Pulling New Battery Electric Buses From the Road - Graham Kilmer - Aug 24th, 2023
- MKE County: Local Leaders Celebrate Launch of BRT Service - Graham Kilmer - Jun 5th, 2023
- Transportation: Milwaukee’s First Bus Rapid Transit Line Is Open for Business - Graham Kilmer - Jun 4th, 2023
- Transportation: New Bus Rapid Transit Line Launches Sunday, GoldLine Ends - Graham Kilmer - Jun 3rd, 2023
- Transportation: Federal Funds Creating Two New East-West BRT Stations - Graham Kilmer - May 19th, 2023
- Transportation: First 4 Months of BRT Rides Will be Free - Graham Kilmer - May 9th, 2023
Read more about East-West BRT Line here
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Ald. Michael Murphy
Statement on the death of Prince McCree
Oct 26th, 2023 by Ald. Michael MurphyAlderman Michael J. Murphy October 26, 2023
A reminder to be safe and respectful during 4th of July celebrations
Jul 3rd, 2023 by Ald. Michael MurphyStatement of Alderman Michael J. Murphy July 3, 2023