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Rider Insider TSAC 11/2019


Transit Services Advisory Committee
What You Should Know About It and Why
By Jeffrey Jordan
What TSAC does:
The Transit Services Advisory Committee (TSAC) provides citizen input regarding the Milwaukee County Transit System to the County Board Committee on Transportation Public Works & Transit. Primarily the group is charged to represent the riders and the public in transit issues facing the County Board. TSAC is asked to submit reports and advice to the Board's Committee.
How TSAC members are chosen, and who they meet with:
The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors created TSAC in June of 2005. County Supervisors appoint members of TSAC. 
TSAC members have monthly meetings with MCTS staff, a representative from the bus drivers and mechanics union, and other guests. The sessions are mostly informal - TSAC members provide a sounding board for MCTS staff ideas. Occasionally TSAC members vote to support or oppose policies, and this is passed along as advice given to the County Board Committee on Transportation Public Works & Transit.
Transit discussions:
Recently, TSAC meetings have included discussions about NEXT (the complete bus system redesign), funding challenges at county/state/national levels, union negotiations, and more. 
The county's transit system is vital to many people for many reasons. 
If someone doesn't use the bus, they might be tempted to think, "Why should I care about the bus system?" Consider this: every bus rider could be another car on the road if the bus weren't available. Buses provide an efficient and sustainable way for people to get around. Buses get people to work, and bus riders work in all industries- so a better bus system enhances the economy. 
Some bus riders have few (or no) other transportation options, and other bus riders have options yet prefer to take the bus. People with disabilities, people without drivers licenses, tourists, students, people on limited incomes, people who prefer not to drive, and people going to destinations with limited parking are just some of the people who rely on a healthy bus system. Each year, thousands of seniors must decide if they should continue to drive. If there is no mass transit for them, they face two options; isolation or operating a vehicle that they are not competent to handle
Are you concerned about MCTS’s future?
If you have concerns about Milwaukee County’s transit system, contact your county supervisor, or reach out to TSAC. You can direct your questions, complaints, or ideas to TSAC's Facebook Page. Start by “Liking” the page and then make your entry on the timeline.
Jeff is a freelance writer and patron of MCTS. He was for a brief period a member and the chair of the Transit Services Advisory Committee.


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