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College students could make or break bus service

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WHITEWATER — UW-Whitewater students could cripple a proposed tri-city bus service if they elect next week not to chip in part of the cost.

Student fees are expected pay nearly 30 percent of a bus line that would run from Janesville to Whitewater, making stops in Milton along the way. The university's student government voted this month to put the idea to referendum Nov. 3-4.

While the students' decision is only advisory, Transit Director Dave Mumma said the project's future hinges almost entirely on their decision. Without financial backing from more than 11,000 UW-Whitewater students, it's nearly impossible to make the service cost efficient.

"Because of the economic condition we're in, it's a big pill for local government to swallow," Mumma said. "We're stretched pretty thin as is."

Officials in all three communities support the service, saying it would improve the local workforce and provide a small economic boost when they need it most.

University students are expected to make up the majority of riders. It would provide more access to Janesville's retail market and the Van Galder bus station. From there, they could reach Madison or Chicago.

"I would say it might be more freshmen or sophomores using it, but I know a lot of upperclassmen interested as well," said Andrew Whaley, student government president. "I think just with it being a service in general, there would be some faculty members interested, too."

Students also will dictate how often the bus makes its runs. If they vote to pay $5 in segregated fees each semester, it would make about twice as many trips as it would if they elect to pay $2.50.

Through both options, UW-Whitewater students would ride the bus free with their university ID card. Normal fares could be anywhere from $1.50 to $3.50 per ride, according to a project study earlier this year.

The same study estimates the service's annual cost at about $370,000. The option with fewer trips would run close to $199,000.

Federal and state funding would cover about 57 percent of the cost.

"When this was announced … there were a number of people who wrote letters saying this was a great idea," Mumma said. "Some said they'd use this as a way to get to Whitewater, and a couple people who are visually impaired wanted to go back to school for a master's degree. It's very encouraging, the amount of responses to this service."

Milton is the only community that doesn't have an inner-city transit service, though both Rock and Walworth counties do provide transportation for the elderly or disabled. Milton Mayor Tom Chesmore said officials have considered taxis, but with the economic downturn, it's difficult to justify spending the money.

Since 1999, Milton and Janesville have engaged in discussions for a bus line, and it wasn't until 2005 that Whitewater was added to the conversation.

Chesmore said the service mostly would be used in Milton by the elderly population to reach doctor appointments or retailers in neighboring communities. Some students live there, commuting to Whitewater each day for classes.

Milton and Janesville could consider making their own deal if student fees don't come through. That's unlikely, however, because of budget constraints.

"We will wait for the student union to make their decision and hope they see the merit of it," Chesmore said. "If they don't, we'll have to look at some other ways to get transportation out of Milton."

Janesville Transit System would provide the buses. Revenue generated by the service could only be used for maintenance, driver salaries or lowering fares, Mumma said. The communities are not allowed to profit.

The referendum is not binding, but the university and board of regents tend to side with the student majority.

Whaley said residence hall groups helped spread the word in dormitories, and a video was made to educate students about the plan. Campus elections typically have a low voter turnout, he said, but student government is using homecoming events and other avenues to raise awareness.

If approved, officials in the three communities would develop a detailed plan to create bus stop locations and operation times. The service would begin with the 2011 fall semester.