Supervisor Michael Mayo, Sr. Criticizes Southridge Management For Moving MCTS Bus Stops Farther from the Mall Entrance
Chairman of Transportation, Public Works and Transit Committee Says Decision Will Keep Disabled, Seniors and Others Away from Mall
(MILWAUKEE) – Milwaukee County Supervisor Michael Mayo, Sr. said today that a proposal by the management of Southridge Mall to remove Milwaukee County Transit System buses from the mall’s parking lot and move bus stops farther from the mall entrances would limit senior and disabled people from gaining access to the mall.
The property manager, Simon Property Group, of Indianapolis, had proposed banning buses in 2012 but later backed away from the idea. They are currently considering a move on November 1 to move buses from their current stops near the mall entrance to a location off of Edgerton Avenue that is farther from the mall entrance. In addition, the move would stop bus layovers on mall property. Layovers give riders more time to get the bus, and Mayo said that ending the layovers will force riders to time their arrival to the new bus stop and possibly miss the bus.
“Instead of giving them the front door, they’re giving seniors and disabled people the back door,” said Mayo who is Chairman of the Transportation, Public Works and Transit Committee. “They’re saying your cars can come, but the buses can’t. Unfortunately for many people, especially the elderly, disabled and those who don’t own cars, access to the mall is limited when bus stops are not allowed in the parking lot near the entrances of the mall.”
Mayo said the lack of access also means it would be harder for workers at the mall to get to their jobs and would keep some shoppers from easy access to the mall or keep them away altogether.
“This is a key issue as we enter National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October,” Mayo said. “Workers with disabilities need ready access to all businesses, and this proposal is another slap in the face not only to those with disabilities but seniors and those who do not have or cannot drive cars.
“But it also makes me wonder who else they are trying to keep away. Obviously, people with lower incomes may not be able to afford a car. Is Southridge trying to keep them away? What about the workers? How will they get to their jobs? This isn’t good for economic development, and I will be working to prevent this move. I encourage Southridge management to reconsider their decision.”
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.
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