Wisconsin Transit Week kicks off

Governor Scott Walker has proclaimed Feb. 4-10 Wisconsin Transit Week. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and the Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin (TDA) are teaming up to promote and celebrate the transit systems that contribute to the state’s economy, environment and quality of life.

"Wisconsin has 81 public transit systems, including urban and rural bus systems, as well as shared-ride taxis," said Department of Transportation Secretary Mark Gottlieb. "These systems make public transportation available to approximately 55 percent of our state’s population."

People rely on public transit for many of their travel needs. They use it to get to and from work or school, run errands and make it to medical appointments.

Choosing public transportation is one way individuals and families in Wisconsin are saving money. According to AAA, the total cost to drive a car is just under 60 cents per mile. Households that use public transportation, and live with one less car, save an average of $10,000 a year.

"As young professionals flock to urban areas and the percentage of the population over the age of 65 increases, the demand for transit services will continue to grow," TDA Executive Director Craig Thompson said. "Given these trends, public transit investments are critical to Wisconsin’s transportation network."

Additional information about Wisconsin public transit is available on WisDOT’s web site, http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/.

Tags: news, wisconsin, transportation, government