City updates bus route to enhance accessibility for UW students

The Dunn County Committee meeting on March 12, 2025, focused on proposed updates to the community bus route, aiming to enhance accessibility for students and residents. The discussion highlighted the current inefficiencies in the bus schedule, particularly for students traveling to Walmart from the University of Wisconsin campus.

Currently, students face a lengthy 47-minute bus ride to Walmart, or they must navigate multiple transfers using the Stout bus system. The proposed changes would streamline the route, allowing for a more direct and quicker journey. The new plan suggests bypassing the City Hall bus stop and adjusting the timing of stops to reduce travel time by approximately 2 to 8 minutes.

Key adjustments include stopping at DICK'S Fresh Market earlier and modifying the route to minimize left turns and stoplights. This would enable the bus to reach the campus library more efficiently, improving overall service without increasing the number of stops.

The committee emphasized that these changes are designed to better serve the community's needs, particularly for students who rely on public transportation. The proposed updates are expected to be implemented by summer 2025, pending further review and approval. The meeting underscored the importance of adapting public transit to enhance accessibility and convenience for all users in Dunn County.