Waukesha Transit Commission Meeting - October 8, 2026

The Transit Commission met on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 5:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Commissioners Chad O'Donnell and Kevin Riley were present. The meeting covered a public hearing and approval of a fare increase effective January 1, 2027, approval of bus stop changes, and a presentation on a transit structure study. No written or other oral public comments were submitted beyond one speaker.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Luke Cortum (533 Brace at Place Apt 1, Waukesha) spoke during the public hearing on the proposed fare increase. He expressed understanding of the need for the increase to maintain service but urged the government to restore adequate transit funding. He also raised concerns about fare enforcement on buses and the recent service cut on Route 9 that disrupted his commute. He asked that the system enforce fare payment and that state funding be increased.

Discussion Items

• Proposed Fare Increase Effective January 1, 2027: Brian (Transit Manager) presented the first across-the-board fare increase in many years. The base fare would rise from $2.00 to $2.25, the monthly adult cap would increase to $5.25 (reverting from a previous reduction after the Wisco card system), MetroLift fare from $4.00 to $4.50, and a new same-day ride surcharge of $9.00 for MetroLift. This surcharge is double the normal fare and allows same-day changes for medical appointments. Estimated annual additional revenue is $35,000–$39,000. No written comments were received; anecdotal feedback from transit center staff indicated riders were informed and accepted the change.
• Bus Stop Changes: Brian outlined the elimination of 12 bus stops and the addition of 1 stop (for Butler School at Grandview and Michigan). Most eliminated stops are redundant (within a block of another stop) or present safety concerns (e.g., bus exposure to traffic at West and Doty). The changes aim to improve route speed and safety, particularly on Route 1 along Main Street. This is expected to be the last bus stop adjustment unless there is a significant service change.
• Transit Structure Study: Miranda Walzer from SewerPAC presented a high-level study of four operational models: current contract (Transdev), direct municipal operation, turnkey private operator, and transit utility. The study was prompted by rising insurance costs—auto liability reinsurance rates grew 142% in 2023 despite no claims—and the city being underwritten as a standalone risk at higher cost than pooled peers. No direct recommendation was made, but direct municipal operation was identified as the most viable alternative if future cost spikes or contractor changes force action. Next steps would include detailed financial comparison and legal review. The draft report is available online.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved: Motion to approve the July 23, 2026 minutes passed unanimously (2-0).
• Public Hearing Closed: Motion to close the public hearing passed unanimously (2-0).
• Fare Increase Approved: Motion to adopt the proposed fare increases as presented passed unanimously (2-0).
• Bus Stop Changes Approved: Motion to approve the proposed bus stop changes (eliminate 12, add 1) passed unanimously (2-0).
• Transit Structure Study Received: The study was presented and discussed; no action was taken. The final public version will be provided to Brian within a week.