The Milwaukee Transit Riders Union is very much in favor of a regional approach to transit, however we do have some concerns about the proposed RTA, and the recommendations of its report to Governor Doyle.
Unfortunately, democracy is missing from the RTA plan.
The Milwaukee Transit Riders Union supports the idea of regional co-operation in public transportation, however, we do not support transferring power in decision making from one body to another if that body is not democratically run and publicly accountable.
We believe that both the SEWISRTA and SEWRPC must undergo significant reform before either is in a position to control any of the Milwaukee area’s public bus systems. This reform must include proportional representation on the boards of both agencies based on the population of each individual county, representation from the larger cities in the region, also based on population, and the moving of both agencies’ offices from Pewaukee, where they are far removed from the center of the area’s population and inaccessible via public transportation, to the city of Milwaukee, where they can be accessed by bus riders. Both agencies must also develop plans for civilian oversight, such as civilian committee members or a people’s oversight commission, as well as public involvement in the planning process.
Furthermore, although we support new transit service such as rail, we think that the top priority should be saving, restoring, and expanding local bus service. Before the RTA gives any consideration to new projects, such as the KRM Metra Commuter Rail extension, a dedicated source of funding must be established for local bus services such as the Milwaukee County Transit System, whose future is very much in question. On November 4, 2008 voters passed a referendum to save the Milwaukee County Transit System.
We would also like to see Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha Counties brought into the RTA as soon as possible, to facilitate easy and seamless transfers for passengers who utilize those transit systems.
We believe that the best place to start reinvesting in public transit is the bus system. Accordingly, a strong bus system is a good base for strong local and regional rail projects and demonstrates Milwaukee County’s commitment to stable quality mass public transit.
As we know, opportunities for increased Federal funding for mass transit will greater than we have seen in a generation. Milwaukee should not pass up this chance to demonstrate it’s commitment to public transit to its people, and to incoming President Barack Obama’s administration, so that we will be in a strong position to receive any federal money that becomes available for transit.
In many of the city’s poorest census tracts, over 45% of households do not have access to an automobile. Access to good quality public transportation is a Civil Right and has a distinct impact on addressing racial, economic, and social inequality in our community. All Milwaukeeans deserve access to good quality public transportation and the ability to be active members in the planning of that system of public transportation. Only after that is achieved will we see serious improvements in the economic stability of our community.