Purpose of Transit NOW

Transit NOW works to: improve vital linkages between people and jobs, improve economic development, increase accessibility, reduce air pollution, decrease traffic congestion and stabilize land use in SE Wisconsin by providing mobility expertise, facilitating effective transportation solutions, and coordinating local and regional transit information and resources. Transit NOW provides education and support for many forms of public transportation, transit improvement and transit expansion.

Where We've Been

Transit NOW was organized in 1992 as an outcome of  the first Clean Air Act conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The fifty volunteers at the first meeting represented a cross-section of the community including businesses, state and local government, environmentalists, hospitals, insurance companies and transit riders. That broad community representation remains a vital component of Transit NOW's success.

     From the early years of Clean Air Act mandates to recent W2 welfare reform, our challenge has always been to take a lead role in educating and advocating for transportation alternatives, and to provide a platform for the development of positive solutions for our diverse audiences.

Accomplishments

• Became affiliated with American Public Transportation Association's national Transit NOW organization and established as a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization in 1992.

• Published the Understanding Corporate Culture brochure, a how-to guide for promoting alternative transportation to employees.

• Organized "Count Down to Clean Air" conference in 1994 with over 350 people in attendance.

• Received Gold Honor Award from APTA in recognition of Outstanding Achievement in Transit Advocacy and Public Education in 1994 and 1995.

• Implemented Transportation Clearing House project for the Private Industry Council of Milwaukee.

• Organized Transportation...People, Jobs & W2 conference in 1997, educating businesses, human services, agency staff, organizations and transportation providers on W2 transportation options, initiatives and issues.

• Published SE Wisconsin Transportation Resource Map and SE Wisconsin Transportation Resource Guide, publications that enable transit users to make urban/suburban transportation connections as well as providing comprehensive information on transportation providers, service areas and organizations.

• Provided strategic transportation planning, technical assistance and education to Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC), a welfare reform agency.

• Implemented"Transportation Connections" project by providing long term support for the Waukesha County transportation initiative through employer/public forums and workshops; and the development of this web site.

• Continuously sharing Transit NOW's expertise through speaking engagements.