The agency is pressing ahead with the redesign of its bus system, which has led to a 15 percent increase in ridership since its launch, but ridership remains well below pre-pandemic levels.
Madeline Fox of Wisconsin Public Radio reports on the state of Wisconsin’s transit agencies, which, like others around the country, continue to struggle to adapt to the dramatic changes in ridership and travel patterns that occured over the last two years.
Despite budget deficits—“The Milwaukee County Transit System is expecting a $32.8 million budget deficit by 2025”—the agency is moving forward with its redesign plans. “The county transit system is nearly a year into its MCTS Next redesign, which includes making 60 percent of buses arrive at least every 15 minutes during service hours, up from 40 percent. The system removed some stops that were close together, shortening some routes while extending others.”
Today, the agency is seeing roughly 60 percent of pre-pandemic ridership. “Winter said Milwaukee is continuing to tweak its routes in response to rider and driver feedback — it's made sure all the bus drivers' routes have bathrooms they can access, for example.”
FULL STORY: Wisconsin transportation agencies make their case for public transit as pandemic, budget woes loom
Postponed Milwaukee BRT Project at Least a Decade Away
The county’s transit system won’t pursue a second rapid bus line due to financial constraints.
Milwaukee BRT Proves Popular With Riders
The newly opened line is already reaching pre-pandemic ridership levels.
Digging Into SEPTA’s Problems
Philadelphia’s transit agency faces some structural challenges as it struggles to reorganize its services and bring back ridership.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.
Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip
Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.
San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont