Despite County Board action, transit system cut again
Nov. 12, 2007 -- The Milwaukee County Transit System will charge riders more and offer fewer routes next year.
The system's downward spiral continues despite County Board votes during budget deeliberations last week to reverse many of County Executive Scott Walker's proposed service cuts.
The Transit System next year will eliminate bus service on Route 11(Vliet St.) from Water Street to 47th St.; Route 80 on the Locust / Hopkins branch; Route 31 east of 10th St.; and Route 53 east of Kinnickinnic Ave., according to county documents.
Bus fares will increase from $1.75 tp $2, one of the highest rates in the country.
Walker had proposed deep cuts in the transit system, but the board, assisted by increased state transit aid, was able to save much of the service Walker wanted eliminated.
“Helping County residents get to work, school, church, the doctor and shopping should be one of our top priorities,” said Board Chairman Lee Holloway, who sponsored an amendment restoring service to eight of the route segments. “With 17 members of the County Board supporting my plan, we have a veto-proof majority, guaranteeing that these route segments will be restored.”
The
route segment restorations include:
• Route 12 north of Florist Avenue, serving Supervisors Toni Clark’s
and Joe Rice’s districts;
• Route 23 north and west of 91st and Mill Road, serving riders in Supervisors Rice’s and Roger Quindel’s districts;
• Route 31, west of 76th Street in Supervisors Jim “Luigi” Schmitt’s and Lynne DeBruin’s districts;
• Route 67, south of Connell on 84th and 92nd Streets in Supervisor John F. Weishan, Jr.’s, district;
• Routes 19/20 South of Layton in Supervisor Richard D. Nyklewicz, Jr.’s, district;
• Routes 15 and 55 in Supervisor Patricia Jursik’s district;
• Route 35 south of Howard Avenue in Supervisors Dan Devine’s and Mark Borkowski’s districts;
• Route 27 to the Glendale Industrial Park in Supervisor James G. White’s district;
• Route 80 south of Mitchell International Airport in Supervisors Nyklewicz’s and Paul Cesarz’s districts;
• Route 40 to the Ryan Road Park and Ride lot in Supervisor Cesarz’s district;
• Route 49 to the Green Bay and Brown Deer Park and Ride lots in Supervisor Rice’s district.
A separate amendment, by Supervisor Marina Dimitrijevic, rejected Walker's proposed fare increase for disabled riders who use the County’s paratransit service.
“Transit Plus riders do not have any alternatives. The county executive’s proposal would have actually raised the round-trip fare from $6.50 to $8,” Dimitrijevic said in a prepared statement. “I’m pleased my colleagues voted to avoid this drastic increase proposed by the county executive. This is about promoting independence for those in our community who need the help most. Once again, the community spoke and the County Board is acting.”
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