Storm Clouds on the horizon for transit users: preliminary budget proposal cuts routes, adds fees

In July, the transit system submitted it’s initial budget proposal to the county executive. The county executive cut the amount of the tax levy $3.7 million, and instructed the bus system to find a way to work that into it’s budget. This is why the transit system has so many cuts in it’s proposal.

The highlights of this proposal:
Route Eliminations:
39 Timmerman Flyer
40 Holt-College Flyer
43 Whitnall Flyer
44 National-Fair Park Flyer
45 Watertown Plank Flyer
46 Loomis-Southridge Flyer
47 S. 27th Street Flyer
48 South Shore Flyer
49 Brown Deer-Northshore Flyer
68 Port Washington Road
79 Menomonee Falls Flyer
219 Oak Creek Shuttle

Six bus routes will be shortened and night service will be eliminated on four bus routes.

Also, bus transfers will no longer be free. According to this budget proposal, riders will be charged a 25 cent fee for transfers.

The Milwaukee Transit Riders Union will continue to keep you informed on the latest threats to public transit in Milwaukee. The next step in the budget process is the release of the County Executive’s Recommended Operating Budget, which is scheduled to occur on September 24, 2009. Once it is released, it will be linked here and a guide to the cuts, including in-depth information like maps, will be posted here as well.