The unprecedented campus growth since 2011 has created a larger demand for parking in Platteville. University of Wisconsin-Platteville conducted a transportation demand study to explore ways to reduce parking problems. One possible solution was to start a fixed-route bus service for students.
The Bus Expansion Committee is now exploring new fixed-routes in order to expand its bus service throughout the city of Platteville. On Feb. 25 in the MPSC East room, there was a second open house for the expansion of the bus routes. Four routes were set up on the tables allowing students and the general pubic to observe them, add comments and address questions pertaining to the routes.
Evan Buske, senior civil engineering major, left a comment that said, “I think stop eleven on Route 3 (Academic Year Night) should be closer to 2nd Street. This way students who have been drinking could get a safe ride home instead of walking or driving home.”
The primary audience for the bus route expansion is UW-Platteville students, senior citizens and people who can’t afford to own or drive a vehicle. The major stops will be at densely populated areas (apartments, residence halls, senior living facilities), major employers, shopping destinations and community resources.
According to Amy Seeboth, leader of the Transportation Bus Committee, the committee’s biggest goal was for year-round bus route services that would cover 100 percent of the city (assuming a quarter mile radius from each bus stop). Another goal was to enable people to get to places that they normally could not without motor vehicles.
Seeboth also added that getting riders to their destinations quickly was additional objective.
All of the bus stops would be located at places with plenty of room for people to get on and off, preferably at a public area. Stops would be the primary place where people could board, but passengers may flag the driver to get off in-between stops. The committee will be adding signs at stops, but may not be able to add benches or shelters at this time due to financial constraints.
“The committee is still working on determining bus fares and a payment system. As of right now, UW-Platteville students will continue to ride for free with a UW-Platteville ID,” Director of Public Works Howard Crofoot said. “We are also looking into getting some kind of city pass for the general public.”
There will be two more meetings open to public on March 5 and 12 from 7-9 p.m. at City Hall. Any final feedback is due to Sustainability Office by March 24. The city council review, discussion and decision will be on April 28 at 7 p.m. in City Hall second floor. The new routes are expected to begin May 16.
The bus expansion committee is still looking for feedback.  Interested parties can email the committee at [email protected].