Kenosha Transportation Academy transit tour

October 17, 2024 in News

Happy bus riders

We are rounding out the last few weeks of the Kenosha Transportation Academy, with just two sessions to go before the end of October. Yesterday was the transit tour, and it was hands down everyone’s favorite class so far! 

We started off with a Q&A from four local experts:

Anthony Kennedy, who represents District 10 on the City Council and is chair of the transit commission for the City of Kenosha

Jennifer Stenacki, AICP, Deputy Chief Transportation Planner at SEWRPC

Jeff Anhock, Supervisor of Operations for Kenosha Area Transit

Lauren Scott, Mobility Manager for the City and County of Kenosha

Guest speakers from L to R: Anthony Kennedy, Jennifer Stenacki, Jeff Anhock, Lauren Scott

I assigned everyone to plan an essential trip that they take without a car. This is an everyday experience for some of the participants in the class, but for many of them, it was a new exercise. One person shared that the trip from her home to work is only about 22 minutes by bus, but the infrequency of bus service would force her to get to work 45 minutes early. Another participant lives in Racine and works in Kenosha, so there is no public transit option to his workplace; he would have to bum a ride from his wife or pay $26 one way for an Uber ride.

Entering the transit center

After an hour of sharing expertise and answering questions, we boarded the No. 5 bus and rode to the transit center, where Jeff and Anthony gave us a tour of the maintenance and storage facilities. The transit center is a state-of-the-art building and was built in 2006 with federal funds. All cleaning, fueling, and maintenance take place under one enormous roof. It is impressive.

Metro Ride looking to expand outside of Wausau

The City of Wausau purchased the bus system from a private company in 1972

By Brianna Weaver

Published: Oct. 4, 2024 at 6:54 PM CDT

WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - The public transit system in Wausau could be expanding to include Rothschild, Schofield, and Weston. While the idea is there, they do have a long way to go before that could happen.

The City of Wausau purchased the Metro Ride system in 1972 from a private company after a referendum. More than 50 years later, talks of adding lines to surrounding areas are finally here, but the process to do that depends on the wants and needs of the municipality.

“If they would like public transportation to go out into their neighborhoods and service the public that way, we’re more than willing to help them do that,” said Arran Hersey, the transit director for the City of Wausau Metro Ride.

If it’s just specific businesses, Hersey says they’re also able to do that.

He’s currently working on a presentation to talk with city leaders about the importance of the routes. This would touch on why expanding in those areas would be good, especially for mobility purposes.

“People are gonna stop being able to drive necessarily and gonna be relying on public transportation to get to medical appointments, to get to shopping just to get to community events,” said Hersey.

So far these presentations will only be to the leaders, but Hersey is more than happy to show it to the public if they’re okay with it.

“I’m willing to go to any town hall meeting for any of the other cities, ask any questions that they may have, and do my best to answer them. I could bring some of my other experts along that know the area better than I do,” said Hersey.

The busiest time of the day for the Wausau transit center is after school. Hersey says if they do expand, he hopes to work with the school systems in other areas to provide that same support.

“We supplement what the yellow school bus can’t do at this particular point in time in the Wausau area,” said Hersey.

Hersey adds that he hopes the city leaders hop aboard the expansion plan and help the local communities.

Changes to the 2024-2025 SASD Bus Pass Program start Nov. 1

In partnership with the Sheboygan Area School District, Shoreline Metro offers free rides for students actively enrolled and attending a school within the district and the public transit system service area.

Students are able to use Shoreline Metro during all hours of service and on any route for any purpose including school, work, social activities and appointments. Students and faculty simply show the driver the Student Bus Pass when boarding to receive the free ride (middle school and high school students only). Elementary students do not require a pass.

Download and view the Student Bus Pass Program. The program is an all-in-one resource guide that provides program details, teaches you how to set up the app and access the free bus pass, and outlines Shoreline Metro services and route information. We have made it simple to access all this information in one convenient, easy-to-use guide.

• Students must have a Student Bus Pass in order to ride at no-charge. Students without a pass must pay the fare to ride.

• Student IDs are not permitted.

• Student conduct is strictly enforced.

• Showing Your Pass: When boarding the bus, show the driver your phone with the Student Bus Pass displayed on your screen.

• Resolving Common Issues:

• Customer Support – Please contact HotSpot Customer Support by clicking on the “three bars” in the upper left corner. Then, click “contact us” followed by “Category/Issue”. Shoreline Metro cannot assist with digital bus passes.

• Getting a New Phone – Please be sure you log out and delete the HotSpot app on your old device before installing the app on your new device. Your pass can only be active on one device at a time.

Madison Metro Transit named 2024 Climate Champion ahead of electric bus launch

Metro’s current buses use over 5,600 gallons of diesel each year. But in just ten days, one third of the fleet will include 60-foot all electric buses.

By Mackenzie Davis

Published: Sep. 12, 2024 at 3:33 PM CDT|Updated: Sep. 12, 2024 at 7:23 PM CDT

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - Last month, 32 Dane County entities were recognized for their work in reducing carbon emissions.

Dane County Executive Jamie Kuhn and the Office of Energy and Climate Change (OECC) recognized 32 local entities for leading on climate action through the Dane County Climate Champions program.

One of those champions is Madison Metro Transit for their efforts to upgrade Madison’s city bus fleet with 62 new electric buses.

“We’re very excited about it,” Madison Metro Transit’s Chief Development Officer Mick Rusch said. “This is going to save us a lot of diesel fuel.”

Metro’s current buses use over 5,600 gallons of diesel each year. But in just ten days, one third of the fleet will include 60-foot all electric buses.

“It allows us the opportunity to basically be one of the largest electric bus fleets in the country, certainly for cities our size,” Madison Metro Transit’s General Manager Justin Stuehrenberg said,

Stuehrenberg says passengers will notice a difference. The buses will be very quiet, smooth and comfortable.

“We are really excited for the operational benefits for most of the passengers and the operators,” he said.

But the new buses will not just benefit passengers.

“It’s great. Real easy. It’s a piece of cake,” Clinton Boone said about driving the new bus.

Boone says he has been a bus driver and instructor for over 20 years and that these new electric buses are the reason he’s still on the roads.

“I was not going to retire until I drove this so right now, I’m pretty much happy I got a chance to drive it,” he said.

The county-wide climate recognition continues to put Madison on the map when it comes to sustainability.

“It’s a great recognition of the work that Metro is doing to not only reduce their climate pollution footprint, but to help the community overall reduce our collective climate pollution footprint,” Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway said.

Rusch says there will also be a new smart card fare system.

“A machine where you can just buy your fare right there or you can load it online which is something new for us where you can get loaded online. And next year, you’re going to be able to just use your credit card right on the bus. So, if someone wants to give us a try, you don’t even have to go get a fare card, you can just go on with your Apple Pay, Google Pay or tap credit card,” he said.

Making it that much easier to ride the buses.

“We hope we’re providing a great product that will make people thing twice about driving their car,” Rusch said.

Details on the Sept. 22, 2024 Bus Rapid Transit launch can be found here.

To learn more about the 2024 Climate Champion recipients, visit the Dane County Office of Energy and Climate Change website and the related Climate Champions map.

New secretary shares vision for Wisconsin’s transportation future

Release date: September 12, 2024

Secretary Kristina Boardman begins her new role today as Wisconsin’s secretary of transportation. Gov. Tony Evers announced her appointment to the position last month.

Secretary Boardman becomes the first woman to lead the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) after serving in a variety of roles in the agency, including deputy secretary and administrator of the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

As deputy secretary, Boardman was the department’s chief operating officer, overseeing operations for an agency with 3,200 employees, dozens of field offices and a biennial budget of more than $8 billion. Under Boardman’s leadership, the DMV excelled in customer service, efficiency, and innovation. Key accomplishments include innovating an award-winning online service for customers to title and register their vehicles, implementing the federal REAL ID program in Wisconsin, and expanding opportunities to schedule appointments at DMV service centers.

“It’s been a privilege to work at WisDOT serving the people of Wisconsin for the last 19 years,” Secretary Boardman said. “The opportunity to now lead the department I love is a true honor and a responsibility that I do not take lightly. I will build on the progress we’ve made to improve our transportation system in recent years and will continue to share WisDOT’s story, so the public understands the crucial work we do every day to improve safety and mobility in Wisconsin.”

Secretary Boardman’s priorities for WisDOT include:

• Support the WisDOT workforce with ongoing opportunities for engagement and support.
• Maximize the funding opportunities of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to bring needed resources to Wisconsin.
• Strengthen our technology and tools to best deliver safe and efficient self-service opportunities to our customers and stakeholders.
• Support continued investment in transportation to deliver on our core responsibilities to safely connect the public, wherever they travel.

In addition to her time at WisDOT, Secretary Boardman has nearly three decades of state government service, including 10 years as a legislative aide for the Wisconsin State Assembly, before transitioning to WisDOT in 2005. She also served as chair of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators International Board of Directors for the 2022-23 federal fiscal year.

Secretary Boardman replaces former secretary Craig Thompson, who Gov. Evers appointed to lead WisDOT in 2019. Since then, the Evers Administration has worked to improve more than 7,400 miles of road and 1,780 bridges across Wisconsin.

View Secretary Boardman’s full bio and download her official photo here.

For more information, contact:

WisDOT Office of Public Affairs
(608) 266-3581, opa.exec@dot.wi.gov

MCTS Launches On-Demand Paratransit Pilot Program in Milwaukee County

August 22, 2024 10:25 AM CDT

By: Stuart J. Wattles

MILWAUKEE, Wis (WAUK) — Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) is set to launch a new pilot program called Transit Plus Same Day, offering on-demand rides for those eligible starting September 1, 2024.

The year-long pilot, powered by Via, aims to provide last-minute transportation for health and employment needs that couldn’t be scheduled in advance. The service will operate seven days a week within Milwaukee County, with ride requests accepted from 7 a.m. to 5:59 p.m.

Fares are set at $10 for one-way trips, with personal care attendants riding free and companions allowed for an additional $10. Riders must present their Transit Plus ID upon boarding.

MCTS officials emphasize that the program is not intended as a backup for regular Transit Plus vans. Participants must sign an agreement acknowledging the program’s purpose and limitations.

Enrollment will be phased-in to manage demand, with those interested required to submit a form. Forms can be returned in-person, by mail, email, or through an online portal.

The pilot’s duration is set for one year or until funding runs out. MCTS plans to adjust qualifications throughout the program to optimize service.

For more information or to enroll, people can visit the MCTS website.

The new bus rapid transit system officially launched Sunday after years in the making. (Spectrum News 1/Abbey Taylor)

TRANSPORTATION

Madison's new bus rapid transit system launched Sunday

By Abbey Taylor Wisconsin

PUBLISHED 8:13 PM ET Sep. 22, 2024

MADISON — 14-year-old Zenon Neta is a big fan of the Madison Metro Transit System. He rides the bus to volunteer at the Madison Children’s Museum and helps his grandmother get around town.

“She rides it to the hospital and to the blood bank, so I always help her and show her how to ride the bus,” Neta said.

What You Need To Know

• Routes A, B and F will board at new stations that have been built across town
• 
  
• The new system features bigger, electric buses with multiple entrances for riders to board
• 
  
• The city added 31 covered boarding stations with built-in heaters along the line 

Both said they are thrilled to take Route A through the new bus rapid transit system that launched Sunday.

“We’re riding it from head to toe, checking it out,” Neta said. “It’s been in the works for so many years. It’s exciting it’s finally here.”

The new system features bigger, electric buses with multiple entrances for riders to board and will trigger green lights to stay on schedule and reduce travel time. 

“I feel like it represents the city going green because the new buses are 100% zero admissions electric vehicles and it’s very nice,” Neta said.

Mick Rusch, the Chief Development Officer for Madison Metro Transit, said the city added 31 covered boarding stations with built-in heaters along the line with bike access and pedestrian crossings. 

“We have a new way to pay your fair,” Rusch said. “We have smart cards. We have an online way to load money into your account. It’s a much easier way to ride the bus nowadays.”

For Neta and his grandmother, Judy Gunkel, it’s more than just getting around. It’s about the time they spend together as well. 

“It’s wonderful,” Gunkel said. “I got to spend time with my grandson and he’s teaching me about the new bus.”

For more information on the new bus rapid transit system, click here.

Three bus systems in Racine, Wis., Westchester County, N.Y., and Bloomington-Normal, Ill., are progressing plans to implement technology upgrades in their vehicles.

Westchester County Bee-Line

GMV has been awarded a $16 million contract to install GMV Hub on each Bee-Line bus in Westchester County, N.Y.  The hub is a vehicle computer that controls a range of onboard systems, including GPS, bus operator touchscreen, automatic passenger counters, next stop announcements and a dedicated sensor for precision tracking in indoor bus depots. The GMV Hub also functions as a digital video recorder to store footage from security cameras on each bus. 

GMV will also provide its ITS Suite, which is a cloud native software platform GMV says will “enhance the county’s visibility and control” of its bus operations. The suite includes app functions that will assist the county in planning, scheduling and dispatch of its services, garage management and video management. 

“We are thrilled to announce Westchester’s Bee-Line Bus System will be getting this cutting-edge technology upgrade, which will improve customer safety, real-time operations management and efficiency. The comprehensive upgrade also supports our commitment to sustainability with zero-emission fleet integrations and will enhance the experience for the everyday rider by incorporating modern mobility solutions,” said Westchester County Executive George Latimer.

To support Westchester County and other clients on the East Coast, GMV will open a New York office. 

RYDE Racine

Racine, Wis., and Modine will collaborate with RYDE Racine to equip the transit system’s electric buses with Modine’s EVantage Thermal Management System. Modine says its EVantage thermal management system will optimize inverter temperatures and improve the range, longevity and reliability of the city’s electric bus fleet.

RYDE operates nine electric buses with the system installed and has another four electric buses on order after the city of Racine received a grant through the Federal Transit Administration Low or No Emission Vehicle Program. To meet the Buy America standard set forth in the funding guidelines, RYDE Racine has selected all-electric buses containing Modine EVantage thermal management systems to ensure they feature American-made components and systems from a hometown supplier.

"Racine has set an ambitious goal to reduce the carbon footprint of our public transit system and we're achieving this objective bus by bus. As we increase the size of our zero-emission bus fleet, Modine’s sophisticated thermal management system is essential for maintaining our transit program's smooth operation, reliability and efficiency," said Trevor Jung, transit and mobility director at the city of Racine. "Through this collaboration, Modine has helped RYDE Racine fortify our electric buses with a hometown solution, demonstrating our combined commitment to enhancing service reliability for our passengers and environmental sustainability." 

Connect Transit 

Connect Transit will use $800,000 in federal funds to invest in a series of upgrades, including onboard communication systems, camera systems and other technology to improve bus operators’ awareness of their surroundings.

The funding was part of the Fiscal Year 2024 Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) Program included in the THUD Appropriations Act that was part of an omnibus package to fund the federal government through the end of the fiscal year. U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) supported the transit provider by including the funds in the CDS Program. 

 “Everyone deserves a safe ride when they hop on the bus to get to work, run errands or meet up with loved ones. In Bloomington-Normal, Illinoisans can rely on Connect Transit to get the job done,” said Sen. Durbin. “I was a strong advocate for Connect Transit to receive today’s announced funding and I’m glad to see $800,000 in federal support going to the region’s transit systems.”

https://www.masstransitmag.com/technology/article/55054957/bus-technology-updates-westchester-county-bee-line-system-ryde-racine-and-connect-transit

EAU CLAIRE (WQOW) - According to the city of Eau Claire, more people are using cars over buses for transportation than in 2010. So the city is trying to get more people and students to use public transportation.

Although recent ridership has gone up, it still falls short from the numbers seen decades ago.

According to Eau Claire Transit manager Ty Fadness, taking the bus alleviates traffic and it's better for the environment. It's also potentially safer than traveling by car.

"Of the nearly million miles that we drive we (our buses) hardly have any accidents. We're one of the top transit agencies in the state in terms of accidents per miles driven so this really is a great way to get around town," said Fadness.

News 18 spoke with one bus rider, Max Childs, who doesn't own a car and instead uses the bus when he needs to travel far. He said the bus saves him money.

"You definitely save a lot on your gas. Fare is only a $1.75, that's pretty reasonable," said Childs.

Eau Claire Transit is seeing new improvements to their rides.

"When you ride the bus, you'll hear a lot of automated voice announcements so that's new and then we also have GPS technology so we can integrate that technology into an app," said Fadness.

The app will launch this fall.

Also new, more routes for Delong Middle and North High School student riders.

"We swing by Delong right after the bell rings and we drop them off west of Clairemont and its been a huge success so far," Fadness said.

Fadness said the new express routes go through areas that are too close to the schools for Student Transit. This helps students get around without parents having to plan ahead.

"Some parents have different work schedules. Some can't take their kids to school in the morning," said Childs.

This year, Eau Claire Transit is on pace to have 700,000 rides. The goal is to increase that to 1 million.

Eau Claire Transit will also be offering free rides this weekend for Eau Claire's Fall Festival happening this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on South Barstow Street.

For more information about Eau Claire Transit, click here.

https://www.wqow.com/eye-on-eau-claire/city-of-eau-claire-working-to-increase-public-bus-ridership/article_0ae84278-6eed-11ef-b891-43de0c29e7ed.html

The Brief

• • Milwaukee County will receive nearly $29 million in federal funds for road and transit projects.
  • Almost $22 million will be spent on redesigning and rebuilding county-owned highways and bridges.
  • Roughly $7 million will be used to buy new MCTS buses.

MILWAUKEE - Nearly $29 million in federal funds are headed to Milwaukee County for road repairs and new buses, County Executive David Crowley announced Tuesday.

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"Enhancing roadway safety and investing in public transit assets for all who use them are important in supporting the health, well-being, and economic vitality of Milwaukee County," Crowley said in a statement. 

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Almost $22 million will go toward redesigning and rebuilding segments of county-owned highways and bridges, according to the county executive's office. Projects will focus on redesigning them as safer streets and, wherever feasible, "complete streets."

Milwaukee County notes "corridors of concern" in its community transportation planning project, where fatal and serious injury crashes and acts of reckless driving occur regularly. It includes stretches of 76th Street, Silver Spring Drive and Layton Avenue that are now slated for full redesigns using federal funds.

Milwaukee County and the Milwaukee County Transit System will also receive more than $7 million to replace 13 buses, the county executive's office said. MCTS has a current fleet of more than 300 buses that have an average lifespan of approximately 12 years or 500,000 miles.

"For Milwaukee County to have a modern and robust transportation network, we continually seek to provide infrastructure that also ensures the safety and well-being of the traveling public," Donna Brown-Martin, Milwaukee County director of transportation, said in a statement. "Similarly, new buses for the MCTS fleet will support connectivity by moving more people timely and efficiently, while also reducing operational and maintenance costs through the replacement of vehicles past useful life standards."

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The county said federal funds will also go toward street safety improvements in Greendale, Shorewood, South Milwaukee, Wauwatosa and West Allis. The county will also partner with the city of Milwaukee to address a segment of the 35th Street corridor.

A project-by-project breakdown of the federal funding can be found on the county's website. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation awarded the money, received from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, through its Surface Transportation Program. 

https://www.fox6now.com/news/milwaukee-county-new-bus-road-improvement-funds