On behalf of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, I applaud Gov. Jim Doyle on several major transit announcements last week and his efforts to address southeastern Wisconsin’s transit shortcomings.
In his recent State of the State Address, Gov. Doyle demonstrated key leadership by continuing to work for transit legislation that would provide dedicated funding and property tax relief to save our local transit systems and bring about the KRM (Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee) commuter rail, efforts that my members overwhelmingly support.
I would also like to congratulate the governor for securing more than $800 million in federal dollars to build a high-speed rail line between Milwaukee and Madison.
This investment in transit further illustrates the need for a fully functional infrastructure, starting with an adequately funded bus system, to strengthen and revitalize our economy.
I am hopeful that Gov. Doyle’s leadership on this issue will be reflected by legislative action in the current session.
Transit legislation currently in the works in Madison reflects the collective appeal from the local business, labor and civic communities who understand that dedicated funding for transit is critical to the future of our region.
As echoed by my colleagues at a recent press conference, an adequately funded transit system will preserve and expand job opportunities in southeastern Wisconsin, promote job creation and allow us to be competitive in attracting and retaining top talent.
On behalf of the GMC, I commend the governor for his support of transit solutions for our region and urge the State Legislature to follow his lead. Our region cannot afford to be without the jobs, economic development and property tax relief that will result from the passage of the current transit legislation.
It is now in the hands of our State Legislature to continue upon the momentum created by Gov. Doyle, the business community, labor coalitions and countless southeastern Wisconsin constituents.
Julia Taylor is president of the Greater Milwaukee Committee (GMC), a nonprofit organization of southeastern Wisconsin’s business, labor, academic, philanthropic, nonprofit and civic leaders.
12 Comments
Try as I might, I cannot understand the rush to judgment over "car speed" rail. It will not be self-sustaining. It will need to be infused with very significant amounts of taxpayer dollars on an ongoing annual basis. It fills a need which doesn't exist. This is not the "Field of Dreams". If we build it, they still won't use it.
Someone please tell me how a slow train to the Madison airport creates long-term jobs? Unthinking blather like this from our supposed civic leaders is why Wisconsin and the country are broke. The Madison slow train and the KRM are boondoggles waiting to happen. Both are economically infeasible and will further crush us with high taxes to pay their long-term operating deficits.
PS- So Ms. Taylor, what is the taxpayer subsidy per ride based on your pumped-up best case scenario? As I have said countless times in these remarks, there is never any detailed justification or analyses of these boondoggles from their proponents because the details are ugly and if the taxpayers were made aware of them they would reject these projects outright. Just platitudes and dumb smiley faces.
There we go! That's what we needed for validation - to have someone like Bill Marsh spout off about what a bad idea it is! That's a great litmus test, so now we know it must be a great idea. High-speed choo-choo trains frighten the talk radio hacks, and their sheep fall in line. Thankfully, the rest of us will get to move forward. NO public transit system is economically self-sustaining. Such an argument is flawed. The benefit comes from the common good, allowing our region to move forward and compete with in the region and the world. People like Marsh would have stood in the way of the development of the Interstate Highway system, because it too required a vast public investment. But look how that opened up interstate commerce, travel and tourism. High-speed rail will produce a much more mobile workforce and will link Milwaukee businesses to Madison and Chicago in a more effective and efficient way. Progress!!!!!!!
News Flash to Metolnik: Wisconsin and the US govt. are broke. I like the interstate highway system- nearly all citizens and taxpayers use it and it is not heavily subsidized by non-users. Unlike the slow train to the Madison airport and the KRM, which will be heavily subsidized by most of us so a few can ride the train. Approximately 375,000 cars pass through the zoo interchange each week day in Milwaukee, only 800,000 persons ride the Chicago-Milwaukee train each year. Tell me the slow train to Madison or KRM are not going to be boondoggles. Soon we will not have enough many to pay for things that are truly important, and at that point maybe you will understand money does not grow on trees.
PS- What is the subsidy per rider for the Madison aiport or KRM train?
The KRM Line project should also be on the fast track, especially so with the imminent construction on Interstate 94.
Mobile work force???? This train is another example of wasteful government spending. I'm all for the "common good" but I fail to see "the common good" in any of this Tim. Tell those that commute to take the Badger or Greyhound Bus instead of having us throw more money out the window for all of those empty seats!
To Tim Metolnik – The Interstate Highway system that was built replaced the Choo Choo trains of an era long gone. Ever ask yourself how the Interstate Highway system opened up interstate commerce? We were able to go exactly where we wanted to go, when we wanted to go and settle where we wanted to grow. It filled in the Gaps left by the Choo Choo trains.
I actually have quite a few clients in Madison, so you'd think something like this would be great for me. Unfortunately, I can't say that is the case.
I would have to drive 10-15 minutes to get to the Milwaukee station from my Wauwatosa home. Then I would be dropped off at the Madison Airport. From that point I would have to find a ride to get to where I am going. After the meeting I would have to get a ride back to get to the station. Then I would be dropped off in Milwaukee where I would spend another 10-15 minutes getting back to my house.
So, best case scenario, I've just spent an hour getting to and from the train stations. In order for the train to come close to saving anytime for me it would have to make a one way trip in about 30 minutes as I can drive to Madison in no more than 90 minutes.
If it's not saving me time, perhaps it would save me money. On that front it fails. The proposed round trip price is $66. I can drive to and from Madison for about $15 in gas.
I think you'll get some legislators to use it and some college kids. However, for most of us it does not make much sense and it certainly is not targeted to poorer people who need mass transit.
May I respectfully submit that many of you are missing the larger point. This is a business competition isssue. Europe already has plenty of high-speed trains. They're building high-speed trains as fast as they can throughout China. America needs them to remain competitive in a global economy. It is not optional. It is a must. This is bigger than Milwaukee-to-Madison ... Open your minds to the possibilities and think about public transportation in the 21st century. If we don't, America's standing in the global economy will continue to shrink.
The difference between China/Europe and us is one of population density. Most development is very centralized and not as spread out as we are. Trains are great there because they make sense.
Mass transit makes sense in densely populated and centralized areas. It's perfect for Chicago, but it's simply not needed here.
Tim, you seem enlightened, are you aware we HAVE a train to Chicago already? Are you aware it is subsidized to the hilt? Come on man, stop being lead by the nose and THINK for yourself. If the current train does not get ridership for a cheaper faster ride why would a slower more expensive train get more ridership?
Another question to ask yourself; do we have mass transit from milwaukee to madison already? Why the answer is yes we do. There are two bus services that make the trip and they are PRIVATELY run. I have used Badger bus and it is nice. It drops people off at UW and the capital. What are we going to do with a train that is 3 times more expensive and takes people to the WRONG side of the lake.
Lou, Tim: get with some critical thinking of your own. We already have what you are asking for. But you do not see people making $20 an hour taking the train to madison and back. And that's the high side of the pay scale. mobile workforce, not likely. 3 hours of pay from their work day would be spent on transportation. Come on; think about it. michael makes the point precisely; if you can drive conveniently for less; why oh why would you pay more for inconvenience and wasted time.
mike, REALLY? We want to emulate Europe? REALLY? I think you better bone up on living in Europe buddy. Been there, done that, not as romantic being packed into a rail car with 200 sweaty people. Your pressed so close together it feels like your being violated. Truth be told; in Europe, Japan and New York they have serious problems with gropers.
It's always far more exciting in your head than the reality will ever be.
As for Bill marsh; well Tim; you are the BIG outspoken supporter of rail; maybe you could answer his simple question. It's all well and good to talk a big game but even better to back your assertions with facts.
I would love to have a mercedes but my Ford does EVERYTHING a merc does for less money. It is not Doyles money and we have seen how he spends. Think for yourself; I beg you; knowing that Doyle wants it should tell you volumes already.
As for the 'business' leaders, every last one of them profits from this for their company and good for them taking care of their stock holders. It's what the stock holders pay them to do. But it is NOT in the common interest of the taxpayor. Not by a long shot. Come on people; use your heads; not the heads of those who give you promises without substance.
Let's avoid absolutism and invented facts. ... "...are you aware we HAVE a train to Chicago already?" ... Kenosha and Milwaukee do, but not Racine, St. Francis, Somers, Caledonia, Mount Pleasant, South Milwaukee, Cudahy and other lakeshore communities. ... "Are you aware it is sub,idized to the hilt?"... Absolutist fiction and an invented fact. ... "Come on m or an, stop being lead by the nose and THINK for yourself."... Pot/kettle. ... "If the current train does not get ridership for a cheaper faster ride why would a slower more expensive train get more ridership?" ... The Hiawatha, which operates west from the population centers, is actually at record ridership. ... "do we have mass transit from milwaukee to madison already? Why the answer is yes we do." ... We have high-school football teams that work hard, but people seem to prefer watching NFL games. ... "Lou, Tim: get with some critical thinking of your own." ...Thank you for the lecture about 'critical thinking'. ..."...you do not see people making $20 an hour taking the train to madison and back." ... Absolutely correct! You definitely do not, and the reason for that is easily explained by the fact that at this point in time there doesn't happen to BE a train between those points. ..."...if you can drive conveniently for less; why oh why would you pay more for inconvenience and wasted time." ... You'll get some argument on that from areas that already enjoy good rail transit, unlike SE WI. "...in Europe, Japan and New York they have serious problems with gropers." ... :-) Thanks for the lighter note. And American transit is grope-free. ..."It's always far more exciting in your head than the reality will ever be." ... "It's all well and good to talk a big game but even better to back your assertions with facts." ... Thank you for making my point.