2008 Woodie Awards
Staff editorial: Barrett knows transit
Local government has $91.5 million of federal money in its transit stash and it has been gathering interest-free dust for 17 years. That money is at the center of a debate rehashed Tuesday at "On the Issues with Mike Gousha." Mayor Tom Barrett and County Executive Scott Walker tolerated one another's presence for a little over an hour, while explaining why they remain in a transit deadlock.
After listening to the tense debate, we support Barrett's plan for transit. Barrett proposes building a three-mile streetcar loop, adding express bus routes and connecting existing transit systems. Streetcars are electrically powered and run on tracks like light rail, but are cheaper and require less construction to put in place.
We believe the key difference in the two plans is that Barrett's has vision. He has a clear idea of where county transit needs to go and a picture of what Milwaukee's future should look like. Walker's plan, which in essence, plans to purchase more buses for the already indebted system, seems rather shortsighted.
On Tuesday, Walker said it would be better to not spend that $91.5 million at all, than to spend even a piece of it on light rail-style transit. We strongly disagree. Bringing a light rail-type system to Milwaukee would promote growth downtown and encourage commuters to use public transit.
Walker opposes the light rail because it would cost $3 million a year to run and the $91.5 million can only be used on development, not operating costs. While funding for Barrett's system still needs to be ironed out, $3 million doesn't seem so steep a price tag when compared to the $18.3 million shortfall predicted for the bus system in 2010. Milwaukee County Transit officials also anticipate a 35 percent route cut by that year.
If the downtown loop is successful and met with enthusiasm, the debate will become re-centered on expanding Barrett's system. The downtown loop is a good compromise of the mayor's original idea of a true light rail system. The loop would be a limited introduction and fair test run of such a system.
After listening to the tense debate, we support Barrett's plan for transit. Barrett proposes building a three-mile streetcar loop, adding express bus routes and connecting existing transit systems. Streetcars are electrically powered and run on tracks like light rail, but are cheaper and require less construction to put in place.
We believe the key difference in the two plans is that Barrett's has vision. He has a clear idea of where county transit needs to go and a picture of what Milwaukee's future should look like. Walker's plan, which in essence, plans to purchase more buses for the already indebted system, seems rather shortsighted.
On Tuesday, Walker said it would be better to not spend that $91.5 million at all, than to spend even a piece of it on light rail-style transit. We strongly disagree. Bringing a light rail-type system to Milwaukee would promote growth downtown and encourage commuters to use public transit.
Walker opposes the light rail because it would cost $3 million a year to run and the $91.5 million can only be used on development, not operating costs. While funding for Barrett's system still needs to be ironed out, $3 million doesn't seem so steep a price tag when compared to the $18.3 million shortfall predicted for the bus system in 2010. Milwaukee County Transit officials also anticipate a 35 percent route cut by that year.
If the downtown loop is successful and met with enthusiasm, the debate will become re-centered on expanding Barrett's system. The downtown loop is a good compromise of the mayor's original idea of a true light rail system. The loop would be a limited introduction and fair test run of such a system.
Published: 9/11/08 Section: Viewpoints
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 5
Dave Reid
posted 9/11/08 @ 12:39 PM CST
Agreed Mayor Barrett actually has some understanding of transit and the value of rail in regards to economic development. Whereas Walker only put forward a plan after Mayor Barrett did and essentially put it out to create a debate instead of working together. (Continued…)
Brian
posted 9/12/08 @ 10:17 AM CST
I know its a new school year and you are all are still trying to figure out how to turn on the Tribune's computer...but
You say: "Bringing a light rail-type system to Milwaukee would promote growth downtown and encourage commuters to use public transit. (Continued…)
Erik
posted 9/15/08 @ 6:23 PM CST
"Route cuts and packed buses have become common problems for Milwaukee commuters. Try getting on the No. 30 at 8 a.m. or 5 p.m. and you'll see what we mean. (Continued…)
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