Wisconsin transit systems score well in annual performance analysis

November 2, 2007

Public transit systems in Milwaukee and Madison continue to outperform most comparable transit systems in other states, and virtually all of Wisconsin's bus and shared-ride taxi services meet or exceed state-mandated standards to measure cost efficiency. A recently completed performance analysis shows that 66 of Wisconsin's 69 public transit systems are in compliance with the cost-efficiency measures, based on most recent data.

"The analysis confirms that Wisconsin transit systems are well managed and operated, and that we're getting a solid return on our investments," said Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Secretary Frank Busalacchi. "Public transit is a vital component of Wisconsin's economy and transportation system, providing some 270,000 rides every day and connecting thousands of people to jobs, schools and other destinations."

State statutes require WisDOT to have cost-efficiency standards for Wisconsin's 26 bus and 43 shared-ride taxi systems. The transit analysis considers six performance indicators including: the ratio of passengers to the service area population; cost per passenger; expenses per revenue hour; passengers per revenue hour; revenue hours per capita; and the ratio of revenues to operating expenses.

A first stage analysis involves peer group comparisons by system type, while a second tier analysis looks at system performance over a five-year period. A third step evaluation process is underway for the New Richmond, Plover and Waterloo/Marshall shared-ride taxi services that will develop recommendations for improvement.

Transit systems are divided into six peer groups based on city size and other common characteristics. Bus systems in Milwaukee County, Madison and other medium-sized cities are compared to similar-sized systems in other states using data drawn from the National Transit Database. Analyses for smaller-sized bus systems, commuter bus systems and shared-ride taxi services use the statewide peer group for data comparison since comparable national transit data is not available. Audited and reported data for calendar year 2004 was used for the analysis. The complete report can be found on the WisDOT Web site at: www.dot.wisconsin.gov/news/index.htm

Wisconsin has traditionally been a strong supporter of local transit systems, providing about $102 million annually to cover an average of 36 percent of a system's operating costs. Research indicates every dollar invested in Wisconsin public transit generates three dollars in economic returns. Public and specialized transit services support some 8,250 jobs and generate over $360 million in economic output in Wisconsin each year. Overall, public transit in Wisconsin currently provides 83.4 million rides per year.

For more information, contact:
John Alley, WisDOT Bureau of Transit, Local Roads, Rails and Harbors
(608) 266-0189, john.alley@dot.state.wi.us