Status:
SE Wisconsin Regional Transit Authority
Local Transit Systems
KRM Commuter Rail
SE Wisconsin Regional Transit Authority comes together in historic vote to support transit investments
On November 10, 2008, after two years of focused discussion and study, the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Transit Authority wisely voted 6-1 to support jobs and sustainable economic growth by recommending property tax relief and up to a 0.5% sales tax to provide an adequate, stable funding source for local transit systems, regional transit connections such including KRM Commuter Rail, and removing existing transit costs from the property tax, providing much needed property tax relief.The RTA also recommended a permanent structure for the RTA that will be the framework for a dynamic, multimodal transportation network critically needed for our regions economy to thrive and grow.
The RTA's report was delivered to the governor and legislator for needed action. The RTA's visionary recommendation, along with Milwaukee's advisory transit, parkas and culture, and emergency medical services referendum win, have sent a strong message to Madison. Legislative action to support the RTA's recommendation is not needed to achieve these crucial transportation advancements, which are the foundation for building a vibrant regional transit network so necessary for a strong economy and healthy environment in the 21st Century.
Critical timeline: January 2009-June 2009
Background: SE Wisconsin Regional Transit Authority
The Wisconsin state legislature and the governor formed the Southeast Wisconsin Regional Transit Authority (RTA) in 2005 to serve Kenosha, Racine, and Milwaukee counties in recommending a funding source for KRM and local transit systems, and a framework for regional transit operations.
KRM Commuter Rail Stalled: local funding source the culprit
The KRM Environmental Impact Study is complete, and the final report is very positive. The New Starts application for federal funding and project approval was submitted to the Federal Transit Administration. The KRM application will remain on hold, however, until consensus is reached on a local funding source. The RTA is the potential funder and operator for KRM and transit. Learn more.
Local Transit Systems in Downward Spiral: dedicated funding urgently needed
Transit systems in SE Wisconsin have been financially starved in recent years, resulting in fare increases and service cuts that are reducing critical affordable access to jobs, education, health care, and opportunity. Further cuts in service are projected.
Although transit ridership is up, bus systems in Racine, Milwaukee, and Kenosha are struggling with growing demand, increasing costs (such as fuel and health care,) and decreasing revenues from federal and state sources. Service cuts are the result, which have cut people off from access to jobs. In the Milwaukee-Waukesha area alone, cuts over the past 5 years have resulted in 40,000 jobs becoming inaccessible by transit. If current trends continue, that number will rise to 100,000 after expected cuts in 2010.
All Milwaukee County Transit System is ranked among the top of their peer groups across the nations for cost effectiveness with cost per rider 34% below their 22 peer systems.