RACINE—Ryde Racine, Racine’s public transit system, is about to undergo major changes it calls the WisGO Program.
The City of Racine’s Transit Commission voted to proceed with the WisGO transit program, which aims to improve affordability and accessibility. Starting this fall, these changes will transform how residents use public transportation.
Transit and mobility director Trevor Jung said the measures, approved at the July 25, 2024, meeting, include fare capping, replacing the 10-ride pass with a weekly pass, and reducing the monthly pass cost.
“This is important because it creates flexibility for riders and reduces barriers to board the bus,” he said. “Right now, if you haven’t gone to a satellite location to purchase a bus pass or have exact change, you can’t board. With this new system, you can use a smartphone or a reloadable smart card, making it easier to take advantage of public transportation.”
How the WisGo program works
RYDE on, Racine, RYDE on. – Credit: Paul Holley
One of the most notable changes is the introduction of fare capping.
This system ensures that riders will not be charged more than a set amount within a specified period, typically a day or a week. After reaching this cap, users can continue to use the transit services without incurring additional charges.
“The fare capping system takes into account your usage and then caps the amount of money you spend, ensuring you don’t overpay for transportation,” he said.
In addition, the Transit Commission will consider replacing the existing 10-ride pass with a weekly pass at their meeting on August 29. This new pass will allow unlimited weekly rides, simplifying the fare structure and offering greater flexibility for regular commuters.
“We are changing our 10-ride pass to a weekly pass and adjusting its price. This change is expected to make the system more user-friendly, as riders will no longer need to keep track of their remaining rides,” said Jung.
Furthermore, the monthly pass cost will be reduced by one dollar. While this reduction may seem small, it demonstrates the city’s commitment to making public transit more affordable and accessible to a broader population.
“We are reducing the monthly payments from $65 to $64. Even small reductions help make a difference for our riders,” Jung added.
What’s the price tag?
City officials describe the changes as budget-neutral and align with Racine’s broader goals of sustainability and decarbonization. The city hopes to reduce reliance on personal vehicles, decrease traffic congestion, and lower carbon emissions by making public transit more affordable.
“These changes not only help individuals but also support our sustainability goals by encouraging more people to use public transportation,” Jung said.
Ridership is on the rise
The ridership of Ryde Racine has increased by 40% compared to 2022-23 and is expected to continue growing, potentially breaking a million unique rides. This significant increase can be attributed to several factors:
- Focus on ridership as a priority: The transit system has prioritized increasing ridership, which has driven efforts to make public transportation more appealing and accessible.
- Partnerships with local organizations: Collaborations with the Racine Unified School District, Gateway Technical College, and other institutions have made accessing public transportation easier for students and community members.
- Marketing efforts: Targeted marketing campaigns have raised awareness about the benefits and availability of the transit system.
- Natural recovery from the pandemic: As the community recovers, more people return to public transportation.
- Community Engagement: Efforts such as job fairs, which have been organized in collaboration with the United Way of Racine County, and employer surveys have highlighted the value of public transportation and encouraged its increased usage.
Implementation and Future Considerations
Following the City of Racine’s fare change policy, the Transit Commission has deferred the final decision on these changes to the next meeting. This delay ensures that public feedback is thoroughly considered before implementing the new fare structure.
“From now until October, we’re focusing on raising awareness about these changes through advertisements, direct communications with riders, and tabling at the transit center,” said Jung.
As the city prepares to roll out these changes, further details on the implementation process will be discussed in upcoming meetings. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and participate in the discussions to help shape the future of public transit in Racine.