With volatile gas prices, our dependence on oil, and increasing global warming emissions, we need a transportation system that meets the challenges of the 21st century.
Building a world-class transit system will help us do that, plus it will grow our economy and create jobs—setting Wisconsin up to succeed in the future. WISPIRG is advocating transportation reform at the state and federal level to achieve these goals.
Student-Led High Speed Rail Tour
In May, 40 students in the WISPIRG Student Chapters spent a week traveling the route of the proposed high speed rail system in Wisconsin to build support for the project.
From Green Bay to Milwaukee to Madison to La Crosse, the students stopped in 10 of the 16 stops along the proposed route and were joined by state and local leaders including U.S. Rep. Steve Kagen, Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt, state Rep. Fred Clark, La Crosse Mayor Matt Harter and UW La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow, among others.
A high-speed rail system in Wis consin will create nearly 10,000 new permanent jobs in the state and increase household income by $173 million statewide. WISPIRG is working with state leaders to secure federal funds to extend the existing intercity passenger rail service between Chicago and Milwaukee to Madison.
Connecting Wisconsin
In June, WISPIRG Foundation released a new report that examined specific opportunities for enhanced and expanded public transportation across the state. The report found that such projects would save Wisconsinites money, boost the economy, and reduce oil consumption.
For example, in 2006, public transportation in Wisconsin saved approximately 700,000 gallons of oil, saving consumers more than $1.8 million at the pump, and in the Milwaukee metro area, public transportation prevented more than one million hours of traffic delay—equivalent to about 25,000 work weeks—saving the economy more than $23 million in wasted time and lost productivity.
RTA Victory
On June 30, Gov. Jim Doyle signed the state budget bill, which included provisions enabling the creation of Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) to help streamline transportation decision-making in four regions of Wisconsin, including Dane County, southeastern Wisconsin, the Chippewa Valley/Eau Claire area, and the Bayfield-Ashland region.
“The governor and state Legislature are putting Wisconsin on the right track,” said Bruce Speight of WISPIRG. “In the future, leading cities with the most sustainable economies will be the ones with modern transportation systems. Enabling RTAs is a critical first step toward building and growing a world-class transportation system in Wisconsin.”
