Milwaukee-area motorists spend far less time stuck in traffic than their counterparts in most similarly sized urban areas, but the slowdowns are costly – about $307 million in extra fuel and lost time in 2007, according to a transportation report issued Wednesday.
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By Patrick Marley and Larry Sandler Gov. Jim Doyle will offer a plan to fund buses in Milwaukee County and elsewhere in a couple of weeks, according to legislators who have met with his staff. Legislative Democrats said Doyle aides told them he would unveil a plan to address regional transit soon – but Doyle’s team didn’t provide any details. The meetings occurred Thursday. The talks follow the collapse of efforts to forge a deal in the 2009-’11 budget. News Advisory: 6/16/2009 New WISPIRG Report Bolsters Case for RTAs, Enhanced Transit in Wisconsin Who: What: A new WISPIRG report will provide data on transportation trends in the state and how RTAs and enhanced transit can create jobs, support economic development, and prepare Wisconsin to meet the 21st century challenges of traffic congestion, fluctuating gas prices, dependence on oil, and global warming pollution. When: Where: By Eric Lindquist An amendment inserted into the proposed 2009-11 state budget Thursday would allow Chippewa Valley counties to create a regional transit authority. Forming an RTA could make it possible to expand the city of Eau Claire’s public transit system to serve more rural areas of Eau Claire County and possibly even neighboring counties, said City Council President Kerry Kincaid. Published June 12, 2009 A $16 rental car fee proposed to fund the proposed Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee commuter rail line would grow by an additional $2, under a state budget tweak that Assembly Democrats made Thursday. The additional money would go toward supporting bus service in Kenosha and Racine, with each city’s transit operation receiving $1 per rental car transaction. Rep. Peter Barca, D-Kenosha, said the change was a response to the Federal Transportation Authority’s desire to see revenue streams dedicated specifically to transit. By Bob Hague
High speed passenger rail may soon be a reality in Wisconsin What do you want in high speed rail? There’s opportunity for public input, Monday in Chicago. Keith Plasterer of Madison, president of the passenger rail advocacy group ProRail, says the Federal Railroad Administration is holding High-Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail Workshops, to begin plans for developing a national intercity and high-speed passenger rail network. -- Panelists include Mayor Tom Barrett, County Exec. Scott Walker, state Reps. Cory Mason and Jeff Stone– MILWAUKEE — Come to a June 10 forum to hear major decision-makers debate the future of passenger rail, highway expansion, the port of Milwaukee and Mitchell Field in light of stressed state and local budgets and commuters’ continuing search for the best way to get to work. The WisPolitics.com/WisBusiness.com forum, which will take place on June 10 at Discovery World in Milwaukee, begins at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 9 a.m. Breakfast begins at 7:15 a.m. “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (and Ships): Shaping Southeastern Wisconsin’s Transportation Future” is part of a series of forums at Discovery World.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: May 5, 2009 CONTACT: Craig Thompson, Executive Director Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin, (608) 256-7044 Wisconsin Transit Week is May 18-24 Public transit enhances quality of life throughout state
MADISON – In recognition of the key role that public transit systems play in Wisconsin’s economy, environment and quality of life, Governor Jim Doyle has officially proclaimed that May 18-24 is Wisconsin Transit Week. The governor’s proclamation honors Wisconsin’s transit organizations, including bus systems, shared-ride taxis, and specialized paratransit and medical transportation companies, for the service they provide to urban centers and small communities throughout the state.  Photo by Green Concierge Travel The day before, three generations of the Morrison family will arrive in Wisconsin on the Empire Builder. My family takes the train because they love it. Train travel is more than getting from Portland OR to Columbus WI. For our family, a train trip provides a time to get together, to catch up and to see the countryside. But today, on this second celebration of National Train Day, we have reached a crossing. Funding has been allocated through the President Obama’s stimulus package and Governor Doyle with the support of the WI legislature has secured $80 million in bonding waiting for matching funding. Let’s get started on building an intercity rail system linking communities within Wisconsin and around the Midwest. Sierra Club John Muir Chapter Racine, WI – Dozens of local residents attended the Racine event, Expanding Transit Options: What’s the Return on Our Investment?, Wednesday evening, April 29 at the DeKoven Center. This event featured a panel presentation and perspectives from local community leaders who discussed the economic impacts of creating regional transit authorities and intercity passenger rail service that could be part of Wisconsin’s future. “Wisconsin has an historic opportunity to modernize our transit systems,” said Shahla Werner, Executive Director, Sierra Club – John Muir Chapter, introducing the panelists. “Decisions made this year at the state and federal level will impact our state’s economy and our environment for decades to come.”
What’s the return on our investment? Wed, April 29, 2009 Delve into options including a Regional Transit Authority, High Speed Rail, KRM Commuter Rail and local bus! Kevin Brubaker, Environmental Law & Policy Center If you’d like to attend this event you can RSVP online Questions? Call (608) 256-0565 or email |
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