In a hybrid meeting held at Milwaukee County's city hall, the Committee on Transportation and Transit gathered to discuss the ambitious "Move 2025" plan aimed at revamping the county's bus routes and schedules. As the morning sun streamed through the windows of Room 203-R, planning manager Jesus Ochoa presented a concise PowerPoint outlining the initiative, which seeks to enhance public transit services while remaining cost-neutral.

The plan, which is rooted in feedback from riders and bus drivers, aims to adapt to the evolving needs of the community, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ochoa emphasized the importance of increasing ridership and improving the overall customer experience, while also advancing racial equity through transit. "It's always a good idea to refresh the system every few years," he noted, highlighting the necessity of aligning services with current trends and demands.

The "Move 2025" initiative is structured in three phases. The first phase, which concluded in January, involved extensive public outreach, including four community meetings across the county and a survey that garnered over 1,000 responses. This feedback will guide the development of a draft plan, which will be presented to the public for further input in the second phase. The final phase will culminate in a recommended plan to be submitted for committee approval later this year.

Committee members raised pertinent questions regarding the engagement of bus drivers and the prioritization of feedback from local municipalities. Ochoa assured them that input from drivers has been actively sought, with planners visiting bus stations to gather insights directly from those on the front lines of public transit. He also acknowledged the importance of local resolutions, such as one from South Milwaukee requesting enhanced bus service, and assured that such requests would be considered alongside survey feedback.

As the meeting progressed, the committee members expressed their support for the initiative, recognizing its potential to transform Milwaukee County's transit landscape. With the promise of a more responsive and efficient bus system on the horizon, the "Move 2025" plan stands as a testament to the county's commitment to meeting the needs of its residents and fostering a more connected community.