The current Wisconsin transportation system underserves people who can’t afford to or are not able to drive: low-income Wisconsinites, the elderly and disabled, young people who want to get around without a car. These Wisconsinites are cut off from jobs, commerce and services without access to non-driving alternatives. For these people, efficient and affordable public transportation is not just a want - it’s a need.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has been neglecting to fund affordable non-driving options like public transit, biking or walking infrastructure. These misplaced priorities have bankrupted our state’s transportation fund, have left our existing roads and bridges to crumble, and have encouraged greater greenhouse gas emissions.
With the next state transportation budget debate beginning this fall, it is important to explore the impacts of the transportation system on Wisconsin’s citizens. The support of people across Wisconsin can help the state can move towards a transportation system that’s safe, efficient and affordable for all.
To facilitate the exchange of stories and ideas, coalitions of community members and advocate organizations will be hosting several forums across the state for discussion on improving Wisconsin’s transportation system. Each community conversation will be slightly different, but the events will focus on the experience of transportation riders and include a presentation by a member of a statewide Transportation and Equity coalition to provide the statewide perspective.
This blog was written by Elizabeth Cameron, Chapter Transportation Intern and member of UW-Madison's Sierra Student Coalition.