WisDOT, stakeholders prioritize transportation needs of Wisconsin non-drivers

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) hosted the Wisconsin Non-Driver Advisory Committee (WiNDAC) Thursday to collaborate with stakeholders and discuss transportation needs for the state’s non-driver population.

WiNDAC members meet twice a year to provide WisDOT with feedback on the latest projects, technologies and challenges facing Wisconsinites who use alternative modes of transportation.

“The WiNDAC partnership ensures the needs of non-drivers remain a priority as WisDOT and local communities plan new and ongoing transportation projects. This collaboration allows us to best serve everyone who uses our transportation system,” WisDOT’s Division of Budget and Strategic Initiatives administrator and WiNDAC co-chair Lea Collins-Worachek said.

The spring 2025 meeting focused on presentations and discussion about how emerging technologies, innovation and community engagement can address the challenges and barriers encountered by non-drivers, improving transportation access and safety.

“As Wisconsin plans for and implements innovative technologies in the transportation space, the needs of non-drivers must be reflected in the decision-making process to ensure equitable access to these innovations for everyone,” said Denise Jess, WiNDAC co-chair and executive director of the Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired.

Non-drivers in Wisconsin include aging adults, students, children, low-income individuals, people with disabilities and those who prefer not to drive. Many face barriers to get to work, school, appointments and other essential daily needs.

Ongoing feedback from WiNDAC members allows WisDOT to make informed decisions when planning multimodal transportation projects to avoid creating additional barriers for non-drivers.

“31% of Wisconsin’s population are currently non-drivers, and the number of non-drivers is projected to grow. As more people become non-drivers, new ideas and options are needed to help people get to school, work, health care, and conduct the business of their daily lives. Making sure that emerging technology solves the problems that non-drivers have is a critical step to create transportation systems that work for everybody,” said Tami Jackson, WiNDAC co-chair and public policy analyst for the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities.

WiNDAC members include advocacy groups, stakeholder transportation associations, mobility service providers, academia, state and local government, legislators and the Federal Highway Administration. Learn more about the committee on the WisDOT website.

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.