arrive together

78 Pages·2017·11.5 MB·English

ARRIVE TOGETHER:
TRANSPORTATION ACCESS AND EQUITY IN WISCONSIN
OCTOBER 2018
1000 Friends of Wisconsin | Chippewa Valley Transit Alliance | CUSH | NAOMI | MICAH | ESTHER
Sierra Club–John Muir Chapter | SOPHIA | Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired | WISDOM
ARRIVE TOGETHER: TRANSPORTATION
ACCESS AND EQUITY IN WISCONSIN
ARRI10V0E0 TFrOieGndEs ToHf WEiRsc:o TnsRinANSPORTATION
ACCEChSipSp AewNa DVa ElleQy UTraITnsYit AINlli aWnceISCONSIN
CUSH
NAOMI
1000 Friends of Wisconsin
MICAH
Chippewa Valley Transit Alliance
ESTHER
CUSH
Sierra Club – John Muir Chapter
NAOMI
SOPHIA
MICAH
Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired
Sierra Club – John Muir Chapter
WISDOM
SOPHIA
Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired
Written by George Ananchev, Dawn Ankney, Christopher
WISDOM
Beaver, Joseph Bouxa, Kate Gaines, Katie Ann Grady,
Jeremy Gragert, Ray Grosch, Rita Kawak, Collin Kirk,
Ashwat Narayanan, Ron Shanovich, Will Stahl, Cassandra
Written by George Ananchev, Dawn Ankney, Christopher
Steiner, Cathy Van Maren, Elizabeth Ward, Melissa H.
Beaver, Joseph Bouxa, Kate Gaines, Katie Ann Grady,
Warner, Heather Wittrock, Kathi Zoern
Jeremy Gragert, Ray Grosch, Rita Kawak, Collin Kirk, Ashwat
Narayanan, Ron Shanovich, Will Stahl, Cassandra Steiner,
Edited by Haley Beets, Holly Cho, and Antonio Bouxa
Cathy Van Maren, Elizabeth Ward, Melissa H. Warner, Heather
Wittrock, Kathi Zoern
The authors would also like to thank Peter Skopec of the
WISPIRG Foundation for his contributions to and review
Edited by Haley Beets, Holly Cho, and Antonio Bouxa
of this report.
The authors would also like to thank Peter Skopec of the
Special thanks to Greenleaf Media for report layout and
WISPIRG Foundation for his contributions to and review of this
design.
report.

Report inspired by Jackie Ivy.
Maps created by Ashwat Narayanan.
Maps created by Ashwat Narayanan.
October 2018
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Terms of Reference and Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Defining Common Terms
Report Procedure
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Transportation Funding Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Transit System Profiles: Understanding Public Transportation
in Wisconsin.
Eau Claire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Fox Cities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Hayward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
La Crosse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Madison Metropolitan Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Milwaukee County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Racine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Waukesha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Wausau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Conclusion and Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
ARRIVE TOGETHER:
TRANSPORTATION ACCESS AND EQUITY IN WISCONSIN
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Wisconsin’s transportation system is to raise additional resources through
not working for a growing number of local funding mechanisms like Regional
people around the state. Wisconsin’s Transportation Authorities (RTAs)
leaders’ decades-long focus on driving are making it increasingly difficult for
infrastructure has been at the expense local public transportation systems
of investments in public transportation, statewide to provide mobility for all.
walking infrastructure, and biking
In addition to the need for greater and
infrastructure. The expansion of the
more stable funding for non-driving
state’s road and highway network,
modes of transportation, commonly
combined with policies that encourage
identified needs for improvement in the
suburban sprawl, has produced a
communities profiled include:
transportation system that leaves
Photography by Elizabeth Ward
Wisconsinites who aren’t able to drive,
• Expanding the frequency of
or can’t afford to drive, cut off from the
bus/public transit runs.
places that matter.
“Transit is the key for work. I • Extending the hours
Today, many seniors, people with
of operation of public
have my dream job now, but
disabilities, low-to-middle-income
transportation systems,
couldn’t get there if not for Wisconsinites, and young people are
particularly to better
the bus.” unable to reach school, work, the
accommodate irregular work
grocery store, or the doctor’s office
shifts and weekend travel needs.
– David, Waukesha
without access to a car. Lack of access
(Story collected by interfaith group to transportation disproportionately • Placing bus/transit stops closer
SOPHIA)1 impacts Communities of Color in to major employment centers,
Wisconsin, exacerbating problems of hospitals, schools, and other
residential segregation and limiting points of interest and building
upward economic mobility. bus stops closer to the public
rights of way, so that transit
The following report examines the
stops on local streets are
effectiveness and equitability of
proximate to the entrances of
transportation in nine cities, towns
those facilities.
and major metropolitan regions
across Wisconsin. This examination • Improving connectivity between
is a culmination of 2010 U.S. Census outlying/rural areas and towns
data, figures provided by Wisconsin and cities.
public transportation systems, the
state of Wisconsin, and direct personal Given the crucial economic and
interviews with transit riders. The societal roles that public transit plays in
report concludes that, while each Wisconsin communities, federal, state
community faces unique challenges and local leaders should consider the
in providing transportation access broad benefits of adequate investment
to employment, medical services, in public transportation. Wisconsin’s
major businesses, local attractions or transportation system could also
other points of interest, the absence benefit from closer collaboration
of consistent and sufficient funding between decision-makers and local
for public transportation is a major planning bodies, which have, in many
hurdle across the board. Inadequate cases, already identified solutions to
financial support from federal and improve transit systems to better serve
state governments and an inability their communities.
4 | ARRIVE TOGETHER: TRANSPORTATION ACCESS AND EQUITY IN WISCONSIN
Photography by Jeremy Gragert
TERMS OF REFERENCE AND PROCEDURE
Defining Common Terms Report Procedure
Equity: Throughout this report, equity should be understood as This report was written by 19 different
“proportionate impacts of a policy or policy outcome on one community or authors who compiled their data
group of people to another.” from the 2010 census, more recent
demographic samples, government
Public Transportation: In the context of this report, “public transportation”
bodies and transit systems. Primary
is defined as any mode of transportation (including but not limited to
data, including the personal stories,
buses, shuttles, shared fare taxis, and trains) that is available for public use
without private arrangement. Throughout the report, “transit” and “public were compiled through interviews
transportation” are used interchangeably. with transit riders and transit system
managers. Interviews were conducted
Paratransit: A form of public transportation that provides supplemental
by various nonprofit organizations
transport beyond fixed bus routes for individuals with disabilities who are
including the Sierra Club – John Muir
unable to use fixed route buses or personal vehicles.
Chapter, the interfaith social justice
Regional Transportation Authorities (RTAs): Arrangements in which regions organization WISDOM and WISDOM’s
(counties, multi-county areas, metropolitan regions, etc.) work together local affiliates CUSH, NAOMI, MICAH,
to establish a regional public transportation system and meet other local SOPHIA and ESTHER. The transit
transportation needs. This is often connected to a funding mechanism for that system maps used throughout this
region, such as a sales tax; local governments can use the revenue generated report were created by 1000 Friends
to supplement federal and state funding for public transportation, road and of Wisconsin. The majority of transit
bridge repairs, walking and biking infrastructure, and other projects. Under
system profiles were written by
Wisconsin law, the establishment of a Regional Transportation Authority
members of the communities that
currently requires approval by the state legislature. State legislative leadership
are highlighted and were reviewed by
has strongly opposed RTAs in recent years; Wisconsin has no RTAs as a
staff at those transit systems.
result.4
Seniors: In the context of this report, “seniors” refers to those aged 65 and
older. Wisconsin has a growing population of seniors and estimates are
that by 2040, most counties in Wisconsin will see a large increase in the
percentage of their populations that are made up of seniors.5
TERMS OF REFERENCE AND PROCEDURE | 5
Photography by Collin Kirk
6 | ARRIVE TOGETHER: TRANSPORTATION ACCESS AND EQUITY IN WISCONSIN
INTRODUCTION
Public Transportation: A Growing Need
Mobility is a critical component of a fulfilling life; without reliable
transportation, access to work, the grocery store, health care, places of
worship, and social opportunities can be impossible. For those who drive
personal vehicles, mobility may be taken for granted. However, a significant
number of residents in Wisconsin are non-drivers. The following section
outlines major categories of non-drivers:
Seniors
A 2015 statement from the Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources
(GWAAR) states, “[a]dults over 60 years old make up about 22% of the
population in WI. In some districts, this number is as high as 30-40%. One in
five Wisconsin residents aged 65 and older does not drive and will be seeking
transportation options. In Wisconsin, 53% of non-drivers over the age of
Photography by Elizabeth Ward
65 stay isolated in their homes.” 6 Since that statement was published, the
number of Wisconsin residents over the age of 65 has increased. Projections
indicate that that trend will continue, as the population of seniors is forecast to
“The bus helps me get around. As
double by 2040 in most Wisconsin counties.7 Effective public transportation
a college student with a part-time
will continue to increase in importance for seniors who wish to remain
independent without personal vehicles. job and no car, it helps a lot.”
People with Disabilities – Josh, Appleton
In addition to Wisconsin’s aging population, some Wisconsinites are unable (Story collected by interfaith group
to drive due to disability. Visual impairments, epilepsy and limited mobility ESTHER)2
are just a few examples of health conditions that may impact one’s ability to
drive.8 More than 8 percent of Wisconsin residents ages 18-64, and 33.1 percent
of those ages 65 or older, have one or more disabilities.9 Age or disability
can contribute to social isolation and often present obstacles to reaching
healthcare appointments, school, work, the grocery store and more.
Individuals with disabilities, regardless of age, face many transportation
challenges. Denise Jess, a nonprofit professional in Madison and a person with
a visual impairment, explains some of her experiences with transit access:
“In deciding where in the city I was going to live, transportation access,
both bus and pedestrian, was a key deciding factor in where we bought our
home... this neighborhood is an expensive one to live in, so the economic
cost is a big trade-off. So while I have a lot of freedom and access to move
about as I want to because of the buses, we pay a huge amount of property
tax, and we don’t have really inexpensive grocery stores and things like that
in the downtown area. The cost of living is so much higher. I think that’s a
consequence for people with disabilities. You either end up living in a lower
economic area and trying to figure out transportation, or if you live where
the transportation might be better, but your cost of living is higher” (story
collected by Sierra Club).
In addition to the economic trade-off Denise faced, she also describes the
anxiety that can accompany navigating day-to-day transportation. For
those who are visually impaired, audio cues on buses are necessary. If the
system is down or a stop is announced too late, it can lead to a missed stop
INTRODUCTION | 7
“What if the cab is running and emotional, let alone physical and live in poverty, and on average earn an
late or my ride doesn’t show economic, toll that takes on people.” income $27,277 lower than their white
up? What’s my plan B, C counterparts.12 Therefore, low income
The bus system nonetheless provides
and D? So just an enormous Wisconsinites, who are often People
a freedom of mobility that would
amount of human energy of Color, face a significant financial
otherwise be unavailable to people
and potential gets put into barrier to owning a car or to repairing
with disabilities. When bus routes
that daily management of their vehicle if it breaks down. Indeed,
are changed or cut due to budget
that stuff, and I think that’s research has found that “possession of a
decreases, people with disabilities are
really striking.” among those directly impacted.10 driver’s license and a car was a stronger
predictor of leaving public assistance
– Denise Jess, Madison People with Low or than even a high school diploma.”13
(Story collected by Sierra Club)
Fixed Incomes
Some individuals who are unable to
drive or afford a car are left without
Economic barriers also create
dependable transportation options,
transportation challenges. Between
while others who live in cities
purchasing a car and paying for
or a negative interaction with a bus with public transit options are not
gas, maintenance, insurance and
driver who may be unaware of the adequately served due to limitations
registration, the average American
rider’s visual impairment. People who of hours, number of routes or
spends 19 percent of every dollar on
are unable to drive have to constantly frequency of stops. Even where public
transportation. However, according to
plan ahead. Denise describes her daily transportation is available, limitations in
Robert Bullard, as much as 40 percent
thought process: service can disproportionately impact
of the income of the poorest residents
those who work inconsistent schedules
in the United States goes toward
“What if the cab is running late or
or second and third shifts.
transportation.11
my ride doesn’t show up? What’s my
plan B, C and D? So just an enormous In Highway Robbery, Bullard writes
In Wisconsin, economic disparities and
amount of human energy and potential that “[t]ransportation remains a
racial disparities are deeply connected;
gets put into that daily management major stumbling block for many to
African American households in the
of that stuff, and I think that’s really achieve self-sufficiency. It boils down
state are more than three times as likely
striking, you know? How much mental to ‘no transportation, no job.’” In
to be unemployed, five times as likely to
8 | ARRIVE TOGETHER: TRANSPORTATION ACCESS AND EQUITY IN WISCONSIN
Photography by David Loken
order to improve the quality of life for already disadvantaged - whether due Many public transportation agencies
Wisconsin’s residents and get more to age, ability or income - are further in Wisconsin are struggling to
people to work, connections to jobs burdened by lack of transportation that best serve their communities on
through reliable transportation are connects them to their jobs, healthcare, shoestring budgets. Meanwhile, the
essential. 14 and other essential locations. state has chosen in recent decades
to spend billions of dollars to add
Types of Inequity in the Furthermore, low-income communities
lanes to highways, with questionable
are impacted by degraded air quality
Transportation Sector justifications, that will benefit only
due to the proximity of highways. This
drivers with personal vehicles.18 If
The inequities in Wisconsin’s poor air quality negatively impacts Wisconsin wants to better serve its
transportation sector are easy to public health and correlates with seniors, people with disabilities, or
identify. First, the vast majority of higher rates of cancer and asthma.16 middle- and low-income households,
Wisconsin’s transportation budget Fifty percent of African Americans state leaders must reassess Wisconsin’s
supports infrastructure - from and 60 percent of Latinx people live transportation priorities.
interstates to major highways and in metropolitan areas that fail to meet
local roads - that primarily benefits national air quality standards for more
drivers. Because a growing portion of than one pollutant.17
Wisconsin’s transportation budget is
subsidized through General Purpose
“I am blind and live in a city that only has a shared-ride taxi. I am a
Revenue, debt, or local tax revenue
retired high school teacher, and I would like to continue working as
rather than paid for through user fees
a substitute and find it impossible to get to schools because of lack
like the gas tax, non-drivers bear a part
of transportation. This restricts my ability to be gainfully employed.
of this financial burden without seeing
their share of the returns. 15 I know many others that are in the same situation. This causes them
to live near poverty levels. There are many people that would love to
Additionally, transit systems themselves
be self-sufficient and less dependent on government programs that
are inequitable when the routes benefit
are barely sustaining them at present.
wealthier parts of a service area over
lower income areas that may have – Frank, Sun Prairie
a higher percent of transit-reliant
(Story collected by Sierra Club)3
individuals. As a result, those who are
INTRODUCTION | 9
A History of I-94 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin resulted in Since, there are a number of federal
the clearance of nearby neighborhoods laws, programs, and guidelines that
Transportation and
and solidified racial and ethnic have been created to address or
Social Inequity segregation in the city.21 analyze potential civil rights impacts,
like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and
Transportation policy has a long
After the civil unrest in Los Angeles,
the Americans with Disabilities Act of
historical connection to social inequity.
Detroit, Newark and other cities in
1990. In 1994, President Clinton issued
The 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott
the mid- to late-1960s, links between
an executive order mandating that the
was a protest against segregated bus
transportation and social injustice
achievement of environmental justice
services, and despite the U.S. Supreme
were more clearly identified.22 The
be made part of every federal agency’s
Court decision in Plessy v. Ferguson
Governor’s Commission on the Los
mission and directed federal agencies
that banned segregated railroad cars,
Angeles Riots in 1965 identified
to develop a strategy that “identifies
some post-World War II transportation
transportation policy as one of the
and addresses disproportionately
policies have had inequitable impacts
causes of the unrest, for its role in
high and adverse human health
on land use patterns, as well as on
failing to provide adequate access
or environmental effects of its
the social and economic conditions of
to jobs and other essential locations,
programs, policies and activities on
urban areas.19
such as health care facilities. The
minority populations and low-income
National Advisory Commission on Civil
Highway construction, land use policies populations.”25
Disorders 1968 report on the causes
that result in slum clearance, and
and effects of the civil unrest in U.S. Guidance for transportation planning
urban renewal activities have displaced
cities included in its recommendations agencies has generally been issued
and physically divided communities.
enhancing employment opportunities by the Federal Transit Authority.
For example, the construction of the
for central-city residents by improving Today, recipients of federal funding
Cross-Bronx Expressway in the 1950s
transportation links between poor must demonstrate compliance with
in New York City displaced 60,000
urban neighborhoods and new job the Civil Rights Act and other laws
people. The South Bronx lost 600,000
locations in the suburbs.23 However, and guidance designed to mitigate
manufacturing jobs, per capita income
during the 1970s and 1980s, federal adverse impacts on protected
dropped to one-half the city average,
highway construction activities populations, including low-income and
and youth unemployment rose to 60
continued to displace urban residents transit-dependent persons and racial
percent.20
and destroy urban communities, minorities.26
Similarly, the construction of I-43 and including in Milwaukee.24
10 | ARRIVE TOGETHER: TRANSPORTATION ACCESS AND EQUITY IN WISCONSIN