A bus rapid transit proposal is still very much in the planning stages in Milwaukee, with the question of whether the route is allowed dedicated lanes along its entire length is still very much in question.
"[T]he Milwaukee Common Council unanimously approved restricting the use of dedicated lanes on a substantial portion of the county’s proposed East-West Bus Rapid Transit line," reports Jeramey Jannene.
The vote is one sign of discord over the project's planning at the city level. Alderman Robert Bauman, for instance, has criticized the planned route for the line, which would run for nine miles through Wauwatosa and Milwaukee "from a park and ride lot just northwest of the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center to the proposed The Couture tower on on [sic] the lakefront." Jannene allows Ald. Bauman an opportunity to look around the country for examples of BRT projects that Milwaukee should emulate.
Jannene followed up with Ald. Bauman, who is a staunch advocate for public transit, dating back to his earlier career, about other possibilities for the route. Ald. Bauman recommends the new BRT line follows the path of a light rail line proposed in 1996 as part of a failed regional system.
"The BRT project is seeking a grant from the federal government to fund up to 80 percent of its estimated $48 million cost. The project would be operated by the Milwaukee County Transit System," adds Jannene. The article also includes additional links for more background on the project.
FULL STORY: Council Approves BRT Route Restrictions
East-West BRT Proposal Finding Little Resistance in Milwaukee
The proposed East-West Bus Rapid Transit project has already built the political support that doomed a previous attempt at light rail along the corridor.
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.
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.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie