Public Open House Scheduled for October 14, 2015

Earlier this summer JTS learned that Generac Power Systems will no longer sponsor the Janesville Milton Whitewater Innovation Express (JMW) bus route, effective January 1, 2016. Effective January 1, 2015, the JMW lost sponsorship from the City of Whitewater and UW-Whitewater Administration. The City of Janesville chose to contribute $15,923 in direct Janesville general funds, which allowed the JMW route to continue for calendar year 2015, albeit at a reduced service level.

With losing the last remaining significant JMW sponsor within Whitewater (contribution of $15,000 or more) JTS Administration is recommending transit service to Whitewater be eliminated, effective January 1, 2016. This service change means JTS will no longer provide bus service to Whitewater; however, two trips each weekday to Milton, WI is proposed. One Milton trip will take place mid-morning and the second will take place in the afternoon. The trips to Milton would serve riders looking to get to Piggly Wiggly in Milton; the Blackhawk Technical College – Milton Campus; or the intersection of John Paul Road and E. Madison Avenue in Milton. The trips to Milton will not serve Freedom Graphics. The final decision-making authority concerning transit service levels resides with the Janesville City Council.

In consideration of this proposed service reduction, Janesville Transit is providing a two-week comment period for the public to share their feedback with Janesville Transit and the Janesville City Council.

How Can I Share Feedback?

• Write your comments using the attached comment sheet. Give your comment sheet to any bus driver or JTS staff person. You may also mail your comment sheet to JTS.
• Complete the online comment form found at: www.janesvillewi.gov/jmw 
• Email your feedback to the Transit Director: smithr@ci.janesville.wi.us
• Call JTS at 755-3150 to provide comments. A summary of your verbal comments will be written up by a JTS staff person.
• Attend the Public Open House to share your comments in person. Staff will be on hand to answer questions and receive feedback. The open house is scheduled for Wednesday, October 14 from 11:30AM – 1PM at the JTS Transfer Center waiting room (123 S. River Street, Janesville).

What Will Happen to the Feedback I Provide?

All feedback received during the comment period will be shared with the Janesville City Council, as part of their review of the 2016 budget.

Existing Conditions Report

If you would like to read the Existing Conditions Report that describes the current JMW service level in relation to the route’s history a copy may be downloaded from the website at www.janesvillewi.gov/jmw  or a copy can be picked up during the Public Open House on October 14.

Employment Concerns?

If you have concerns with maintaining your current employment due to the loss of transit services to Whitewater or Freedom Graphics you are encouraged to call the Rock County Job Center at 608-741-3578 for assistance.

Questions?

Should you have any questions about the public comment period or about the proposed service

reduction, please contact JTS at 755-3150.