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Shows Big Savings of Energy, Time, Money, and CO2 from Transit

Milwaukee, WI - The KRM Commuter Rail line and other public transportation projects received a boost as civic leaders held an event at the Milwaukee Intermodal Station calling for approval of financing and citing a major new report on oil savings and other benefits from public transportation across the country.  The WISPIRG report, A Better Way to Go: Meeting America’s 21st Century Transportation Challenges with Modern Public Transit, examines the challenges faced by America’s transportation system and the benefits of existing rail and bus projects in Wisconsin and other states.

According to the report, transit in Milwaukee is responsible for 1.1 million gallons of oil saved and $3 million dollars saved that would have otherwise been spent on gas.  With rising gas prices, the report underscored the value and need for lawmakers to invest in transit.  Around the country transit saves 3.4 billion gallons of oil each year, prevents 541 million hours of traffic delay and reduces global warming pollution by 26 million tons. Demand for public transportation is booming nationally, with transit trips far outpacing the growth of auto miles or population since 1995.

“This report shows why we need the KRM line and the expansion of transit in Milwaukee - Wisconsin’s economic engine,” said Jon Richards, State Representative for the 19th District. “It puts clear numbers on how public transit reduces oil dependence, traffic congestion, and global warming pollution. Wisconsinites need better transportation choices and need to get KRM commuter rail off the drawing board and into action.  It’s a major way we can strengthen our region and its people so we can continue to move our state forward.”
 
The Proposed Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee (KRM) Commuter Rail line will connect 9 Wisconsin communities and link to 25 metro Chicago cities and the City of Chicago itself.  The KRM has long been championed by leaders in Southeastern Wisconsin.  The vision has been stalled by lack of legislative approval of a funding source for the local share of the costs.  Community groups have supported the project as a way to stimulate economic growth and access to jobs in the region while reducing traffic congestion and providing critically needed access throughout the region and to Chicago. 

"The KRM project would provide an excellent tool for businesses, consumers and workers in my district, as well as the remainder of Southeastern Wisconsin," said Jeff Plale, Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Utilities and Rail. "With this commuter line, we will finally bring workers and employers together. In addition, this mode of transportation will be able to cut down travel times, reduce automobile traffic and attempt to minimize automobile related air pollutants.  KRM will be an asset to Southeastern Wisconsin, and I will continue to work hard to get the proposal passed."

"Investing in mass transportation here at home will improve the health of ourselves, our economy and our planet,” said Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D., a member of the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. 

“Not only would the expansion of public transportation be good for Milwaukee consumers, it would also be good for Milwaukee’s economy and for our workers,” said Darryl Johnson, Executive Director of Riverworks Development Corporation.  “Transit provides access to jobs and will help to grow the burgeoning economic corridor in southeastern Wisconsin.” 

National public opinion polls indicate that 53 percent of commuters would prefer to use more public transportation if it were available near their home and workplace. An overwhelming majority of the public, seventy-five percent, tell pollsters that transit is the best way to fight traffic congestion.

“Moving ahead with the KRM line is a key step toward 21st century transportation in Wisconsin,” said Bruce Speight, WISPIRG Advocate.  “This report shows that transit saves Wisconsinites energy, time, and money. With rising gas prices and increasing traffic projected for the future, we can’t afford not to invest in projects like this that meet our country’s long-term needs.”