RTA in Milwaukee: A spirit of compromise

Right now, Milwaukee County’s transit system is in a precarious position and, if nothing is done soon, faces a 33 percent cut to the system. In an attempt to stave off this potential disaster, I have been working with other transit advocates to identify a solution. Here are the steps we have taken so far.

Last November, when the Southeast Wisconsin Regional Transit Authority (RTA) came forth with its recommendation, there were flaws that caused concern here at the County Board. The RTA was originally put in place two years ago by Governor Jim Doyle to develop a regional transportation strategy for Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha Counties. Of the three counties, Milwaukee is the only one facing a transit crisis at the end of this year. If we don’t find a solution, Milwaukee County’s transit system will be reduced by 33 percent and all night, weekend, and freeway flyer service will be eliminated. Because of this impending crisis, Milwaukee County’s position affirms that rubber-tire buses should be the top priority for the RTA. 

If we don’t find a solution, Milwaukee County’s transit system will be reduced by 33 percent and all night, weekend, and freeway flyer service will be eliminated.

The County Board, at first, recognized these problems, and board members wanted to take a stance in opposition to the RTA. Fortunately, working with other members, we instead chose to create a special task force to work out the problems and issue recommendations that could work for Milwaukee County. Over past months, I and other task force members received testimony from 24 members of the public, spoke to representatives from around the region, listened to concerns from our fellow board members, and developed solutions that can work for Milwaukee County and the entire region.

Now that Governor Doyle has presented a budget that includes a dedicated funding option for regional transit in southeast Wisconsin, I will forward Milwaukee County’s recommendations to the state. In November, Milwaukee County residents spoke by approving the referendum to provide property tax relief and dedicated funding for transit, parks, and paramedics. With this help from you and from the governor, we are another step closer to staving off the transit crisis and allowing our one million riders per day to continue to get to work and school in Milwaukee County-and throughout the region-with ease.

Chris Larson is supervisor of Milwaukee County’s 14th District, which encompasses southern parts of Bay View, the airport, and other parts of Milwaukee’s southeast side. He can be reached at chris.larson@milwcnty.com or (414) 278-4252.

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