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  • 11 Aug 2022 7:31 AM | WIPTA Admin (Administrator)

    Milwaukee Crime Stoppers is teaming up with the Milwaukee County Transit System with two giant ads on two buses and 50 in bus shelters. The campaign is aimed at drumming up tips to solve crimes in Milwaukee.

    Medera Smith and her granddaughter get around by taking the bus. On their routes, they see a lot. One new ad for Milwaukee Crime Stoppers caught Smith's eye. 

    "I think it’s very great because that’s another avenue to the means of what we trying to do," said Smith. 

    Two MCTS buses feature 40-foot billboards with information on how to submit tips. 

    "I think it’s very great because that’s another avenue to the means of what we trying to do," said Smith. 

    Two MCTS buses feature 40-foot billboards with information on how to submit tips. 

    "These moving, 40-foot billboards reach incredibly diverse audiences," said Kristina Hoffman, MCTS. 

    "These are going to be mobile reminders of how easy it really is to reach out to Crime Stoppers," said David Crowley, Milwaukee County executive. 

    "We are only one part of the puzzle the community must do their part," said Jeffrey Norman, Milwaukee police chief. 

    Milwaukee Crime Stoppers has been around for more than two years. In that time, they have solved 47 cases and three unsolved homicides.

    "Partnerships plus community engagement equals trust and results," said Norman. 

    Some people might be afraid to share information, but Crime Stoppers officials stressed that you will remain anonymous. 

    "It makes sense that people would be scared, right, because retaliation is real," said Bria Grant, MCTS board member.

    "They will never have to go trial to be a witness," said Michael Hupy, Milwaukee Crime Stoppers president. "We don’t know who they are, so we work totally anonymously."

    "If you remain anonymous, it can help," said Smith. 

    You can report crime anonymously from anywhere using the p3 tips app or by calling 414-224-TIPS.

    https://www.fox6now.com/news/milwaukee-crime-stoppers-mcts-campaign-seeks-tips


  • 8 Aug 2022 8:40 AM | WIPTA Admin (Administrator)


    In order to learn about the County’s public transit priorities, Polk County encourages its residents to share their opinions on potential transit options in the form of a survey. The survey will be available from July 25th until August 26th and can be found here.

    This survey is part of the data collection effort for a Transit Feasibility Study underway in Polk County. Earlier this year, Polk County teamed up with the West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (WCWRPC) to investigate the demand for public transit in Polk County, and to develop proposals and identify potential funding sources for implementing solutions to meet those needs. WCWRPC has been assisting in solving issues that cross municipal boundaries for over forty years.

    The County is pursuing this study because they have heard that investigating the feasibility of transit options is desirable and needed. The major identified issues are residents getting to and from work, patients getting to and from medical care and to pick up prescriptions, and to get to and from the store for getting necessities, for those who don’t have access to their own means of transportation. This study will gather data on the demand from public and businesses for a transit-style system, estimate user rates, understand where this service is most needed in the County, and identify funding sources for possible implementation if proven feasible.

    Over the course of the next year, there will be additional ways for residents to engage with Polk County and WCWRPC to share their voice about public transit options in the county. Comments and participation will aid the Transit Feasibility Study determine what options are most important for the area, how it will impact citizens, and what the community needs. Please visit here for more information on these engagement opportunities and general information about the study.

    Contact:

    • Mr. Tim Anderson
    • Polk County Planner
    • 715-485-9225
    • tim.anderson@polkcountywi.gov

    https://drydenwire.com/news/polk-county-seeks-public-feedback-on-public-transportation/

  • 4 Aug 2022 7:06 AM | WIPTA Admin (Administrator)

    Valley Transit unveiled five new buses from its Volkswagen settlement, September 17, 2020. (WLUK)

    To combat driver shortage, Valley Transit is announcing hiring bonuses of up to $5,000.

    The public transportation service in the Fox Cities says its offering the sign-on bonus for applicants who already possess a commercial driver's license.

    “We need customer service-oriented drivers to continue providing the essential services that are connecting our community to jobs, resources, entertainment and, especially as we approach back-to-school season, educational institutions,” said Valley Transit general manager Ron McDonald. “We’ve are hoping this hiring bonus will help us quickly attract candidates that can hit the ground running as soon as possible.”

    Those interested in becoming bus drivers are not required to have their CDL to apply but will need to be able to possess and maintain a Wisconsin Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with the passenger endorsement and a Federal Medical Card as a condition of employment.

    https://fox11online.com/news/local/combatting-driver-shortage-valley-transit-offers-sign-on-bonuses

  • 1 Aug 2022 7:52 AM | WIPTA Admin (Administrator)

    Racine Electric Bus

    ExpanPHOTO VIA RACINE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP.

    Alternative forms of transportations such as electric cars and trains have been on Americans’ minds for many years. Increases in gas prices and continuing alarming news about global warming have added to the discourse.

    The scene in Racine, however, is reflective of hope that we can do better. The city received $9 million in grant money from the federal and state government to purchase nine electric buses. The largest fleet in Wisconsin, these buses will cut back on 2.3 million tons of carbon dioxide per year. The man responsible for leading this new project is Trevor Jung, Racine’s current transit and mobility director. He is also responsible for the popular electric scooters around the city. This interview discusses how mass transport links to inequality, why Racine is a good candidate for alternative transportation, and plans for handling the climate crisis.

    How did you come to the transportation sector?

    I was born in Russia and adopted when I was two years old. Growing up in Racine, Wisconsin, I developed a sense of gratitude for my hometown; anything I could do to give back and make it a better place, that’s what I wanted to do. After thinking about what the needs of my community are and what would make Racine the strongest place it could be, I thought that mass transit really is about access to opportunity. I went off to university for a degree in urban studies and came home to serve my community. I served on the common council for two terms as the chair of the transit commission and now I’m the transit mobility director of the city.

    Has your degree in urban studies aided your new position?

    It’s been valuable. Urban studies is a holistic field that is interdisciplinary and highlights such subjects as public administration, sociology and economics. The field shows that the health of a community involves all these different disciplines. For me, transportation is one piece of a very large puzzle, but it’s great insight because I understand the importance of land use and I’m connecting with other departments that have different charges but are just as connected to the wellbeing of Racine.

    Explain how public transportation can aid in the fight against inequality.

    Public transportation is critical in making sure we have equity in our community. It is the great equalizer: people take the bus to work, school or the grocery store. It provides a way of getting from point A to point B for those who can’t afford a car or choose to not own a personal vehicle. It is a tool for providing access to opportunity.

    What’s been the strategy for promoting this system to those who may have reservations (i.e. those worried about budgets or public transport not reaching rural areas)?

    We’ve got to market the transit system as a modernizing force. We can’t only talk about it as a way to get from place to place, we have to talk about it in terms of sustainability. We’re electrifying 25% of our fleet and exploring opportunities to power those buses through solar. It has started a conversation around mass transit in Racine which Is beneficial to marketing the system.  Secondly, it’s about partnering with institutions such as Racine Unified School District and Gateway Technical College to get the students engaged with the system. Third, it’s about relationships with our neighborhood municipalities. We have intergovernmental agreements with Yorkville, Mount Pleasant and Caledonia to connect their residents and employers to our city. It’s bridging the urban and suburban divide that you imply in your question.

    Why do you think Racine is an ideal place for experimenting with alternative public transportation projects?

    Racine has a tradition of being innovative. At one point, we had more patents per capita than anywhere else in the country, so the spirit of innovation lives strong. We also have a built-in environment conducive to public transport with a dense urban center where there’s a population that needs public transportation. Due to that, there are multiple modes whether it’s the fixed route transit system or an on-demand system for the disabled and elderly or the scooter share, a partnership between the city and Bird Scooters. Whether you’re on a bus or on a scooter, we want to make sure you can get where you’re going safely and comfortably.

    Where do you see this project heading in the future?

    I think we need to have a “Multi Model Mindset,” viewing Racine as an opportunity for economic growth with public transportation as a tool for that. Transit oriented development is a way to spur economic growth using the built-in environment around transportation to encourage private investment. The city of Racine is exploring opportunities for projects like extending commuter rail from Kenosha to Racine and Milwaukee. The long-term benefits of that have been seen across the country where there’s fixed rail transit creates density and commercial development. Additionally, thinking about the future, we’ve launched an app for transit riders so they can see in real time on the phone where their bus is and which route to jump on. The word I’d use to describe the work we’re doing is “modernization, modernization modernization.” Excited days are ahead for transit in Racine.

    https://shepherdexpress.com/news/community-news/trevor-jung-brings-electric-buses-to-racine/


  • 21 Jul 2022 7:33 AM | WIPTA Admin (Administrator)

    Electric Cars

    The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is seeking the public's input on a plan for the future of electric vehicles in the state.

    According to a news release from WisDOT, the plan outlines an effort to build and place electric vehicle charging stations across Wisconsin. Those would be implemented under a program funded by the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

    WisDOT will be receiving around $78.65 million over the next five years as part of the National Electric Vehicle program.

    The entire plan can be found online here, where you can also submit a comment.

    https://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/wisconsin-department-of-transportation-seeks-input-on-electric-vehicle-plan

  • 18 Jul 2022 7:22 AM | WIPTA Admin (Administrator)

    A Milwaukee County Transit System bus passes a bus shelter near 6410 W. Silver Spring Drive on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. The shelter has recently been adorned with a colorful mural. This mural is part of the City of Milwaukee Office of Early Childhood Initiatives "Pop Spots" mural series meant to promote early literacy and parental involvement with young children.

    Say goodbye to restless, squirming youngsters at the bus stop.

    Milwaukee children and families now have something fun and educational to do while waiting for the bus.  

    Twenty-four Milwaukee County Public Transit bus shelters around city will soon be adorned with colorful, interactive murals as part of the city's Office of Early Childhood Initiatives' "Pop Spots" mural program. 

    The murals are the latest of OECI's many efforts to promote early childhood learning and literacy in Milwaukee's public spaces through its Mighty Small Moments campaign.

    The campaign encourages parents to prepare their young children for success in school by incorporating simple, educational activities into their daily routines.

    The murals will direct parents to engage their children in a variety of activities including counting, reading, storytelling, physical activity, and identifying shapes, colors and food.

    The collection of murals includes designs in both English and Spanish, and some even feature cultural elements significant to the bus shelter's location, said Gary Mueller, creative director of Serve Marketing, the nonprofit advertising agency that helped design the murals.

    The first mural was unveiled last week at a bus shelter on the city's northwest side at the intersection of West Silver Spring Drive and North 64th Street. It depicts a young boy and his father preparing to ride the bus. The illustration is accompanied by a short story.

    According to Milwaukee Public Schools senior director of curriculum and instruction Felicia Saffold, this first mural promotes language development by encouraging children to engage with a story. Reading a story with your child also strengthens the parent-child bond, Saffold said.

    Ultimately, the goal of the mural project is to create accessible learning spaces, especially for children ages 5 and under.

    Saffold said this age group represents a "critical window for development" and is an important time to prepare children for success in kindergarten and beyond.

    Four of the murals will be near MPS schools.

    According to the 2018-2019 MPS District Report Card, more than 57% of economically disadvantaged MPS students achieved below basic proficiency in English language arts.

    Statistics like these are why, when Office of Early Childhood Initiatives director Dea Wright began working with MCTS to decide on locations for the murals, she prioritized under-resourced ZIP codes where she said children are more likely to have a smaller vocabulary and fewer reading skills when entering kindergarten.

    According to Milwaukee Public Schools senior director of curriculum and instruction Felicia Saffold, this first mural promotes language development by encouraging children to engage with a story. Reading a story with your child also strengthens the parent-child bond, Saffold said.

    Ultimately, the goal of the mural project is to create accessible learning spaces, especially for children ages 5 and under.

    Saffold said this age group represents a "critical window for development" and is an important time to prepare children for success in kindergarten and beyond.

    Four of the murals will be near MPS schools.

    According to the 2018-2019 MPS District Report Card, more than 57% of economically disadvantaged MPS students achieved below basic proficiency in English language arts.

    Statistics like these are why, when Office of Early Childhood Initiatives director Dea Wright began working with MCTS to decide on locations for the murals, she prioritized under-resourced ZIP codes where she said children are more likely to have a smaller vocabulary and fewer reading skills when entering kindergarten.

    Wright cited the work of Nobel Prize-winning economist James Heckman, who found that for every dollar invested in quality early childhood education programs, taxpayers save up to $16.

    Heckman's research showed that children who receive early childhood education opportunities are more likely to graduate from high school and less likely to become involved in the juvenile justice system or need special education services.

    However, children do not need to be enrolled in a top-notch daycare program to reap these benefits. Simple activities like singing, talking and reading with a young child can make a big difference, Wright said.

    Creating 'Mighty Small Moments'

    OECI opened with Wright as director in 2018. Soon after, she started the Mighty Small Moment campaign, which includes the mural project. 

    Mighty Small Moments advocates for the importance of talking, reading, singing and playing with children ages three and under.

    Studies show these activities increase a child's vocabulary which in turn makes learning to read easier when they enter school. The better a student reads early on in school, the more likely they are to graduate from high school.

    According to the OECI website, "even short bursts of brain-boosting interactions can make a big difference."

    This is why Mighty Small Moments urges parents to take advantage of small, everyday moments — like waiting in line, doing laundry or walking to the bus stop — and turn them into opportunities to engage with their children.

    "We have to imagine our city splattered with things where parents can be their child's first teacher," Wright said.

    In September 2019, OECI opened Milwaukee's first "Read, Play and Learn" public early learning space at Riverworks Coin Laundry on Holton Street. 

    The space offers various levels of books and literacy materials, allowing parents and caregivers to read with their children while doing laundry. It was created in partnership with the LaundryCares Foundation — a nonprofit dedicated to promoting early learning at laundromats — and Too Small to Fail, the early childhood initiative of the Clinton Foundation. 

    Tratavia Hardmon, a mother of four and a member of the OECI Family Advisory Board, said in a Common Council meeting last week that she appreciates that her children are able to play and learn while she does laundry.

    “A lot of families are busy like myself, so we don’t get a lot of one-on-one time where we can sit down and talk (to our children) and interact with them," Hardmon said. "I think Mighty Small Moments creates those moments for families like mine.” 

    Following the success of the laundromat space, OECI introduced similar educational waiting spaces to the Keenan Health Center, the Marcia Coggs Center, the Vel R. Phillips Youth and Family Justice Center, and other WIC clinics and community spaces.

    Wright said patrons and employees of many of these locations report that children have been better behaved and less disruptive since the introduction of the educational spaces.

    "(Without the educational spaces), I've seen children at the DMV literally crawling under chairs and playing chase. Other people get annoyed, and it's not safe," Wright said. "If children are going to be in these spaces ... you have to have something to engage them."

    Although some of the educational spaces are still being reassembled after being removed to comply with pandemic restrictions, Mueller — the creative director of the mural project — said, including the bus shelter murals, there are now 33 interactive public learning spaces located throughout the city.

    Of course, Wright thinks there can never be enough of these spaces.

    "I think parents have to see these until they're like 'Ugh, everywhere I go someone's telling me to talk, read, share, love,'" she said. "Then, they won't have to think twice, it just becomes second nature."


    https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2022/07/07/milwaukee-bus-shelter-murals-promote-literacy-and-parental-involvement/7756846001/


  • 14 Jul 2022 11:32 AM | WIPTA Admin (Administrator)

    The recent issue of the Wisconsin Counties Association Magazine highlights public transit; as Chair of the Wisconsin Public Transportation Association, Transit Director Rebecca Smith was asked to contribute an article. Rebecca worked with HWZ to prepare the article, found on page 23, for submission.

    Read the magazine here: https://indd.adobe.com/view/93c6c83d-6ae8-4887-be70-6e503c092a65

  • 11 Jul 2022 7:38 AM | WIPTA Admin (Administrator)

    In support of the city’s environmental, economic and social sustainability framework, the City of Beloit is using federal funds to purchase a hybrid electric-diesel bus, the city announced Monday.

    The Beloit City Council accepted a Surface Transportation Program-Urban grant earlier this month, which will cover 80% of the the cost of the $629,960 bus. The other $154,490 is coming from the city’s Capital Improvement budget.

    According to the city, Beloit Transit is utilizing the bus, the city’s first hybrid bus, to replace an aging diesel bus in their transit fleet.

    “Beloit Transit is actively seeking ways to lower emissions while being fiscally responsible,” Teri Downing, Deputy Community Development Director who oversees the Transit Division, said. “With fuel prices rapidly increasing, bringing a hybrid bus into our fleet helps reduce operating expenses while providing for a cleaner future for our community.”

    Manufacturing lead time for buses in around 12-18 months, according to the city. The new bus is expected to be placed into service during the second half of 2023.

    https://www.nbc15.com/2022/06/21/city-beloit-utilizing-federal-funds-purchase-hybrid-bus/

  • 7 Jul 2022 8:14 AM | WIPTA Admin (Administrator)

    MyRapid Pass | Metro Transit, City of Madison, Wisconsin

    As part of Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway’s MetroForward >> initiative, the City of Madison has teamed up for the second year with the Madison Metropolitan School District to distribute a summer Metro Transit pass to ALL middle and high school students, providing a safe and easily accessible way to navigate our community this summer.

    “In its first year this initiative distributed 2,375 passes to young people who took 37,989 bus rides over just one summer. It’s clear that these passes make a real difference for Madison youth and their families,” said Mayor Rhodes Conway. “We are working hard to improve transit access, and we want young people to benefit from that. Partnering with MMSD is the best way we can help Madison youth get to jobs, school, City parks, pools and more this summer, all while advancing our climate, equity and economic goals.”

    Empowering youth to be public transit riders now prepares them to access Madison’s transit network, improved through the Transit Network Redesign process, as well as the coming Bus Rapid Transit system that will connect all sides of the City like never before.

    Free passes were distributed to middle and high school students 6th grade and up via their schools and are now available for pickup from school summer semester sites . Students that live in Madison but attend other school districts, or who did not receive a summer pass from their school, are eligible for the free pass and can pick them up at Metro Transit (1245 E. Washington Ave., Ste. 201). Passes are valid for the summer, through September 6.

    For more information, contact Metro Transit at (608) 266-4466. Complete information is also available here.

    https://www.cityofmadison.com/news/city-of-madison-sponsors-free-bus-passes-for-mmsd-youth-again-this-summer


  • 5 Jul 2022 7:40 AM | WIPTA Admin (Administrator)

    MCTS, MPS and city of Milwaukee team up to create interactive bus stops for kids

    Milwaukee County Transit System bus stops around the city are getting a lot more colorful and interactive as a part of a new initiative between MCTS, Milwaukee's Office of Early Childhood Initiatives, Milwaukee Public Schools and BVK.

    "We're sharing a very important message today, and that message is getting young people engaged and heading in the right direction early on in their lives is essential," said Mayor Cavalier Johnson during a Tuesday morning press conference. "I want young people in Milwaukee to be curious. I want young people in Milwaukee to be inquisitive. I want young people to learn about the world that's around them."

    Children will be able to do just that with the now Pop Stop murals that will decorate 24 bus shelters around the city. Part of the MCTS Bus Shelter Art Project, the murals will feature interactive games and other activities for children to enjoy while waiting with their parent or guardian for the bus.

    "We designed each shelter with several criteria in mind," said Gary Mueller, founder and creative director of BVK and SERVE. "The activities include counting, identifying shapes, objects, colors, foods. Some are designed around reading stories or scavenger hunts. Some even include physical activity."

    Dea Wright is the director for the city of Milwaukee's Office of Childhood Initiatives. She says the idea for the Pop Spots has been in the works for years. She's happy to see it finally come to fruition.

    "It's going to be really special when I'm driving down the street and I see someone standing there and looking at it," Wright said. "I believe that it is possible for Milwaukee to be covered with opportunities for children to be able to engage with their families. Talk, read, sing, love, learn together wherever they are."

    Wright says the bus stops are just one stop on her and her office's mission to keep kids engaged and educated.

    "I am sick and tired of the achievement gap, the opportunity gap; everything I hear about children of color," Wright said. "Every single child, regardless of race or income, should have access to spaces that promote healthy development."

    Dr. Felicia Saffold works for Milwaukee Public Schools as senior director of curriculum and instruction. She echoed the importance of keeping kids engaged when not in the classroom.

    "Pop Stops are an exciting, interactive learning opportunity for families and children," Dr. Saffold said. "We think about early literacy and promoting literacy and oral language, and capitalizing on every moment that you can do that, so this is awesome."

    All 24 shelters where Pop Stops will be located are set to be finished within the next two weeks. The goal is to have the murals up for years to come.

    https://www.cbs58.com/news/mcts-mps-and-city-of-milwaukee-team-up-to-create-interactive-bus-stops-for-kids

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