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From the Director, Department of Transportation and Public Works, and the Managing Director, Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS), submitting an informational report regarding the new proposed service modification of Routes 46 (Loomis-Southridge Flyer) and Route 79 (Menomonee Falls Flyer). (INFORMATIONAL ONLY UNLESS OTHERWISE DIRECTED BY THE COMMITTEE)
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POLICY
MCTS periodically provides informational updates to the Committee on transit issues.
BACKGROUND
As approved in the 2011 budget, Route 45 (Watertown Plank Flyer) and Route 47 (S. 27th Street Flyer) will be eliminated effective January 3rd, 2011. Despite these changes, MCTS will be able to maintain service to a portion of these routes, at least for a time, via minimal changes to two other routes.
Route 46 Flyer Service
Beginning in February, the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation will close the expressway ramp that connects eastbound I-894 to northbound I-94 as a part of the I-94 North - South reconstruction project. They estimate it will take approximately one year to build the new ramp and reopen the expressway.
As a result, MCTS will be required to modify the routing of Route 46 (Loomis-Southridge Flyer). The preferred detour routing will provide an opportunity for Route 46 to serve the Holt Avenue park - ride lot currently served by Route 47. A review of ridership indicates there is capacity for Route 46 to serve these additional passengers. There would be a nominal increase in travel time required to make the additional stop. Approximately half of the trips on Route 46 will incorporate a stop at the Holt Avenue park - ride to match the level of demand. The S. 27th Street portion of the Route 47 service will be eliminated as planned.
fter expressway construction is completed in December 2011, MCTS will evaluate whether to continue with this routing or to return Route 46 to the expressway and thus eliminate service to the Holt Avenue park - ride.
Route 79 Flyer Service
MCTS and Waukesha Metro have pursued an opportunity to continue to serve customers at the Watertown Plank Road park-ride currently served by Route 45. Route 79 (Menomonee Falls Flyer) operates along US-45 and would be modified to add a stop at the Watertown Plank Road park - ride. This modification will provide Waukesha County passengers with more direct access to the Regional Medical Center. MCTS operates Route 79 under contract with Waukesha County. The route is entirely funded by Waukesha County.
A review of ridership indicates there is sufficient capacity on-board Route 79 buses to
incorporate the additional customers at the Watertown Plank Road park - ride. Waukesha County has agreed to provide flyer service at this lot with minimal changes to the Route 79 schedule. Waukesha County will be reimbursed for the fare revenue collected at the Watertown Plank Road park - ride.
RECOMMENDATION
This report is informational only unless otherwise directed by the Committee.
Prepared by: Anita Gulotta-Connelly, Managing Director, MCTS
Approved by:
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Jack Takerian, Director Anita Gulotta-Connelly
Transportation & Public Works Managing Director, MCTS
cc: County Executive Lee Holloway
Terrence Cooley, Chief of Staff, County Board of Supervisors
Josh Fudge, Fiscal and Budget Analyst, Department of Administrative Services