The next phase of the Milwaukee Connector Study is beginning with a renewed commitment to evaluating transit alternatives for the metropolitan Milwaukee area and developing a transit plan to meet the needs of the community. But to move forward with the study, it’s important to understand how the project has evolved.

The Milwaukee Connector Study began in 2000 evaluating transit improvements in and around downtown Milwaukee.

The study grew out of previous transportation and transit studies dating back to the early ‘90s. Many new developments were emerging in and around downtown, such as the new convention center, baseball stadium, the art museum addition, riverwalk, and growth in downtown housing. These developments, along with already existing attractions, provided new reasons for visitors and residents to explore and enjoy city life. The City of Milwaukee had just completed its Downtown Plan which recommended catalytic projects aimed at improving the vitality of Downtown Milwaukee. One of these catalytic projects was the creation of a transit connector system to link people to downtown assets through the use of public transit, thereby encouraging economic development and protecting the environment.

Prior to the start of the study, several individuals and environmental justice groups reached a settlement on a long standing dispute with the State regarding the balance of federal transportation resources being used for highways versus public transit improvements. $91.5 million in federal funds were earmarked for a capital project to improve pubic transit and assure residents could reach jobs, schools, health care and other services.

A partnership was formed with the Wisconsin Center District, the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, the City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County. The group applied for and received federal funding to study alternatives and recommend a plan for improving public transit in Downtown Milwaukee.

Public input has been an important factor in framing the analysis of the Milwaukee Connector Study. Following early meetings with the public, it was clear that there was a growing need to connect people to places, not only in downtown, but in surrounding neighborhoods. The project area was then expanded to include connections to neighborhoods surrounding Downtown Milwaukee.

Throughout the study, ongoing public meetings were held, focus groups were conducted and workshops were held to study land use, ridership, routes, vehicle technologies, financing and governance. In addition, hundreds of small group meetings were conducted as part of an aggressive community outreach effort. The meetings and outreach efforts focused on encouraging public involvement in the decision making process. Through the course of the study and public outreach, further additions were made to the study area to include additional near-downtown neighborhoods, dozens of routes options and numerous vehicle technologies. Each option was weighed against the goals of improving the transit system for transit riders, increasing transit use (ridership) and encouraging economic development along the routes.

Over the course of the study, changes in government leadership and growing fiscal demands impacted city, county, and state budgets, resulting in a refocused vision for the study. Although local leaders and Milwaukee residents have not yet agreed on a final outcome for the Connector Study, one common goal remains, improving transit in Milwaukee County.

In the spring of 2007, the Milwaukee Connector Steering Committee refocused on the core need to effectively connect people and places throughout Milwaukee County. A new direction for the Milwaukee Connector Study has been authorized as a growing number of people recognize the role a thriving public transit system plays in the growth and quality of life for a city and its surrounding region.

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