More and Better Transit

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State Leaders Advocate Regional Transit, Transit Solutions

In January, Governor Doyle was joined by business leaders in Southeastern WI to announce the introduction of legislation that would bring regional transit to southeastern Wisconsin. Regional Transit will create jobs, spur development and economic growth, attract business and investors, and build our competitiveness in the global economy. While other states across the country have implemented Regional Transit Authorities (RTA’s) to invest in transit, Wisconsin has not. Now is the time for regional transit.

How You Can Help

Take Action for Regional Transit

Send an e-mail to your state senator and state representative urging them to support legislation that gives SE Wisconsin and other communities the ability to invest in more and better transit.

Overview

Regional transit is a critical tool for creating jobs and building a strong economy. Other states have invested in regional transit systems. For example, Charlotte, NC has generated $291 million in development around a 10-mile transit line in less than one year, and Salt Lake City has realized $10 billion in development since it invested in transit 10 years ago. Plus, RTAs are vital to gaining access to federal infrastructure dollars.

While other states across the county have implemented RTA’s to invest in transit, our transit systems continue to decline under antiquated funding structures, cutting off economic opportunities and exacerbating job loss. Wisconsin cannot afford to fall further behind as we work to rebuild our economy and grow new jobs.

RTAs will also build healthier, stronger communities by providing consumers with safe, clean, affordable transportation options that lower the cost of living, insulating us from fuel price shocks. At the same time, RTAs will reduce harmful air pollution and our dependence on oil.

The state legislature needs to support RTAs now in communities that want them to give SE Wisconsin and other communities the ability to invest in transit with up to a 1/2% dedicated sales tax and a framework to coordinate transit region-wide.

News

Wisconsin Mayors Support Assembly Action on RTAs, Discuss Importance of Transit for Growing Wisconsin’s Economy 6/16/2009

Joint Finance Committee Moves Wisconsin Forward with RTA Vote 5/01/2009

Diverse Coalition Endorses RTA Proposal 4/29/2009

Report

WISPIRG Releases Connecting Wisconsin: Finds Enhanced Public Transportation Prepares Wisconsin for the Future

A new WISPIRG Foundation study was released examining specific opportunities for enhanced and expanded public transportation across the state and finding that such projects would save Wisconsinites money, boost the economy, and reduce oil consumption.

Key findings of the report, “Connecting Wisconsin: Public Transportation Projects for the 21st Century,” include:

· In 2006, public transportation in Wisconsin saved approximately 700,000 gallons of oil, saving consumers more than $1.8 million at the pump.

· Public transportation prevented more than one million hours of traffic delay – equivalent to about 25,000 work weeks – in the Milwaukee metropolitan area in 2006, saving the economy more than $23 million in wasted time and lost productivity.

· More and more Wisconsin residents are choosing to take public transit rather than drive. Outside Milwaukee, where severe service cuts have led to dropping ridership, transit ridership has continued to rise, increasing by 17 percent since 2001.

· In 2008, ridership on the state’s transit lines jumped 1.8 percent compared to the year before, and vehicle travel dropped 3.9 percent.

ISSUES