Ozaukee County is contemplating slashing its express bus after ridership nonetheless hasn’t rebounded since plummeting throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Ozaukee County Express Bus presently serves commuters going to Milwaukee and operates weekdays throughout peak commuter instances.
There are presently seven morning runs and 7 afternoon and night runs. Ozaukee County contracts with Milwaukee Transport Services to function the line; the contract is up at the finish of 2022.
Ridership dropped about 80% throughout the pandemic and hasn’t recovered, based on the county. On Route 143, ridership has declined since its peak in 2008, with 2019 being the worst 12 months since the starting of its service in 1996.
Currently, ridership averages somewhat over three folks per bus, with a web price per experience of $87.67.
Before the pandemic, the common month-to-month ridership in 2019 was over 4,000 folks, in comparison with June 2022 common of somewhat over 1,000.
The money price of a ticket is $3.50 a technique, with a reduced fare on the app of $3.
At the Aug. 18 county Public Works Committee assembly, county officers thought-about a number of choices to cut prices. If the county opts to maintain the line, it could cut the commuter bus service in half, elevate fares or change the contract construction to incorporate smaller buses.
Another possibility could be to remove the service completely and promote different current packages, similar to WisDOT Rideshare.
Any modifications wouldn’t be made till subsequent 12 months, stated Ozaukee County Transit Superintendent Joy Neilson-Loomis. The bus is presently funded by a number of income sources, together with the county levy, state and federal support, fares and nationwide COVID reduction funding by the finish of 2023.
At a public listening to on Aug. 10, 10 folks spoke in assist of the bus, and the county Public Works Committee obtained a further 22 written feedback supporting the line. No one spoke in opposition to the bus line. About a 3rd of commenters stated they’d want to surrender their job if there was no transit.
Some riders have used the express bus for years to get to work downtown at locations like Northwestern Mutual.
In an interview, Andy Griswold of Grafton stated his spouse is determined by the service to get to work downtown.
“It’s really changed how she thinks of that travel. She likes to work and likes the people. And to think that this takes the soul-crushing drive off the beginning and end of it really changes the whole attitude,” stated Griswold.
Another bus rider stated she can be keen to pay extra to experience the bus if that might assist the county preserve the line in service. “Parking downtown is so expensive, not to mention the price of gas, which is outrageous. And just, you know, road rage for people where it’s crazy,” stated Jill Haupt.
If really useful by the Public Works Committee, the Ozaukee County Board will finally resolve whether or not to finish the express bus service or start a brand new service. The subsequent County Board assembly is scheduled for Sept. 4. For extra data on the express line, ship electronic mail to transit@co.Ozaukee.wi.us.
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Contact Alex Groth at agroth@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @grothalexandria.