August updates

Our second annual SMRT 2 Viroqua trip went very well. We had nine participants this year. The bus was newer and the weather cooler than last year. Thank you, Senator Brad Pfaff for riding along and listening to us talk about the importance of regional and rural public transportation. In addition to our stories, Senator Pfaff also got to talk to other riders and drivers.

We may try another route in the future, but scheduling for other destinations, like Tomah or Prairie du Chien, is less flexible.

"We had a pleasant ride to Viroqua to explore more business and entertainment enterprises in our Coulee Region. The timing was punctual to the minute. Our drive back was remarkable and will surely be remembered. Our driver (while always driving safely) shared stories and lessons from his HoChunk culture with us. There are a myriad of benefits being connected to people and places in the region and we enjoyed them on this excursion."

A few months ago, a donation of tokens was made to Hope Restores in the name of LATA and we received a nice thank you card. Now, we've heard that they could use more adult tokens. If you are interested in contributing toward another donation of tokens, please email us to learn more.

Our next LATA Leaders meeting will be Wednesday, September 10 at 5:30 p.m. at the South Community Library picnic table. We will talk about fall programming, the Ride with a Guide initiative, and organizational business. All are welcome to attend; we can make the meeting available on Zoom, too, if needed. Please email us for more information.

On August 16 there will be two opportunities to weigh in on the La Crosse comprehensive plan for 2040 with respect to bicycle and pedestrian (and transit) issues. Please plan to attend and give your opinions on what changes we will need to see in La Crosse to make life better, easier, and more accessible for those who choose to move around without a car.

You may attend either session in person or online (see access information below):

* From NOON to 1 p.m. at the Southside Neighborhood Center (1300 6th Street South) 

* From 5 to 6 p.m. at the Black River Beach Center (1433 Rose Street),   

To attend online, join the meeting: https://call.lifesizecloud.com/4796124 OR call this number (you will only be able to listen if you call in, not speak): 877-422-8614  meeting 4796124#.

_{City of La Crosse Comprehensive Plan 2040}

Bicycle and Pedestrian Issues Focus Meeting

(Hosted by the City of La Crosse Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee)

AGENDA

Introduction and Overview of the Comprehensive Plan

• What is a Comprehensive Plan?

• How the La Crosse Comprehensive Plan 2040 is being developed

• How walking and biking issues and priorities in La Crosse connect with the Comprehensive Plan

Discussion Questions

• What do you like about walking or biking in La Crosse? What works well? What are some of the city’s key assets or advantages for walking or biking?

• What do you not like walking or biking in La Crosse? What are some things that don’t work well? What are some problems or issues?

• How should we make things better? What ideas do you have for improving walking or biking in La Crosse?

Next Steps

• How to contribute additional ideas and comments for the plan

• Plan website and surveys: https://forwardlacrosse.org (new walk- and bike-oriented survey available after our session of August 16)

• Questions, other items?

July updates!

This July, we have a couple of opportunities to connect and advocate for public transportation.

On Saturday, July 23, we hope to table at the Disability Pride Fest, an event hosted by the Disability Action Network from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Copeland Park. IF YOU CAN SIGN UP FOR A SHIFT, please complete the form at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4CAEAE28AAFECE9-lata

On Wednesday, July 27, LATA will host its second annual RIDE SMRT 2 VIROQUA event. We will board the SMRT Yellow Route as it goes through La Crosse between about 9:30 and 10:00 a.m. and arrive in Viroqua at about 11:00 a.m. This year, we have invited our elected representatives: Senator Brad Pfaff, Representative Jill Billings, and Representative Loren Oldenburg, to join us on the ride or at a discussion about regional public transportaton and rural public transit. Those details are still being worked out. So far, Sen. Pfaff has accepted our invitation.

SPACE IS LIMITED! Please sign up by July 22 at tinyurl.com/LATA2Viroqua

The e-bus is HERE!

Please join the MTU and the City of La Crosse for an open house to roll out the new electric buses at 10 a.m. at the La Crosse Center!

 

May 21 - Wisconsin Transit Riders Alliance

Thanks to all who attended out April 28 Transit Talk program! And special thanks to MTU Director Adam Lorentz and LAPC Transportation Planner Jackie Eastwood. We heard about the Regional Transit Development Plan process and looked a bit at some specific suggestions. Adam talked about plans for this year, including updating bus shelters, rolling out the e-buses, and testing and adding a new smartphone fare payment app that will offer more options.

If you have suggestions for places for shelters, issues with existing stops or shelters, or if you would like to be a tester for the new app, please email lorentza@cityoflacrosse.org.

We were able to record the program and will have it posted this weekend. The link should be available by May 1..

The next event for transit advocates is the annual meeting of Wisconsin Transit Riders Alliance on Saturday, May 21 from 10 a.m. to about noon. We'll talk with transit professionals from around the state about what's new and how transit is moving forward in Wisconsin this year and beyond. Please register for the zoom link at tinyurl.com/WTRA-052122