Milwaukee County's Department of Transportation is on track to substantially upgrade its public transit system thanks to a nearly $8 million federal grant. According to a release from the county, the funds are primarily slated for three major initiatives: replacement buses for the Milwaukee County Transit System, traffic signal optimization, and an outreach program aimed at growing ridership. The lion's share of the grant, a hefty $5.8 million, is earmarked for the purchase of new GILLIG clean diesel buses, as reported by WISN.
The new buses are expected to notably reduce fuel consumption by up to 40%, an improvement that could not only lead to substantial cost savings but also to a cleaner environment in Milwaukee. "Investments in public transportation are needed now more than ever in Milwaukee County," Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley emphasized in a statement obtained by CBS58, highlighting the crucial role of the funding in enhancing local transit services for residents.
Beyond improved efficiency, the new vehicles also boast updated amenities such as video monitors, plastic seating, and a security monitor for a full view of the bus interior. This initiative is complemented by an earmark of $1,102,400 to systematically optimize traffic signals across 24 downtown Milwaukee intersections, aiming to reduce wait times and bolster transit reliability, as noted by WISN.
The remaining $1 million of the grant is dedicated to a public outreach campaign, a concerted effort to connect directly to those most likely to rely on public transit. This undertaking pledges to thoroughly inform the community on how best to utilize the bus system in order to alleviate traffic congestion and cut down on the environmental impact of cars, an effort outlined by a release from the Milwaukee County Department of Transportation and highlighted by TMJ4. With this grant, Milwaukee County aims to not just maintain, but to steadily improve, the quality and efficiency of its transportation services for the betterment of its community.
