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.
USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
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Pittsburgh Excels at Low-Cost, Quick-Build Traffic Calming
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Seattle Transit Asked to Clarify Pet Policy
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Oregon Bill Would End Bans on Manufactured Housing
The bill would prevent new developments from prohibiting mobile homes and modular housing.
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