As we head into 2012, the Coalition for Advancing Transit is thankful for another year of strong and engaged advocacy on behalf of transit.
In 2011, public transit advocates across the state of Wisconsin faced huge challenges in terms of preserving service and capital improvements in the face of anticipated reductions in state funding and tough local budget situations. These included a 10% cut in state transit aid, the repeal of existing regional transit authorities and more. However, advocates worked hard with local and state elected officials to ensure that: - Transit remained in the segregated transportation;
- A new $5 million state paratransit fund was created that will assist in keeping vital services in place;
- MCTS did not implement major service cuts for 2012, keeping most bus and paratransit services intact for the next 2 years.
Many thanks to the community and business leaders, elected officials, and citizen advocates who worked together to effectively pushed back on historic attempts to sideline transit!
Also, on November 14th, we joined members of the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups (CWAG) for an informational meeting, “Building Aging-Friendly Communities with Transit and Why it Matters to You.” Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett joined Nino Amato (CWAG), Anita Gulotta-Connelly (WURTA), Jeramey Jannene (UrbanMilwaukee) and Kerry Thomas (Transit Now/CAT).
We discussed the importance of a balanced transportation system to a thriving economy and community and heard about the changes expected in 2012 for MCTS service, including the implementation of three new Express Service routes.
Visit the Coalition for Advancing Transit site for a meeting summary and links to all presentation materials, including a detailed breakdown of the 3 Express Routes and information from the WI Urban & Rural Transit Association about public transit systems in Wisconsin.
Lastly, MCTS offers FREE rides on New Year’s Eve, courtesy of Miller Lite. Free rides begin at 8:00pm this Saturday and run until the end of regular service, except for 13 routes, which extend service until 4:00am. Visit the MCTS Website for details and route information.
Best wishes for a Happy New Year and we look forward to
Moving Forward Together in 2012!
The Coalition for Advancing Transit |
