tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76047012740157400852024-03-18T14:30:03.738-07:00La Crosse Area Transit AdvocatesSupporting, advocating for, and educating about public transportation in the La Crosse, Wisconsin area.cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09727177028975502543noreply@blogger.comBlogger139125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604701274015740085.post-41066447922737925382024-03-18T14:29:00.000-07:002024-03-18T14:29:11.875-07:00March 18 - Transit Employees Appreciation Day!<p style="text-align: center;">Thanks to MTU, SMRT, OHWS Taxi, Amtrak, Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, and every other transit employee!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3AlZfJBcGpcpKlMcVFC4isoGU5L3IAyYFWWwUhQecUvcpx9JUwStT7b703bYhdqwOymNoRZSLG4vYFVs9YfR2WpemSZMONzM_jxpduyn6Gr9pLMULtydSAqn8Kz-WIskRjETDc_92LMb75yWF-B1k6iMyiHh_MOSRGUhm2B5irFsZR12Mtflnl48K1Yo/s2000/Image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1136" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3AlZfJBcGpcpKlMcVFC4isoGU5L3IAyYFWWwUhQecUvcpx9JUwStT7b703bYhdqwOymNoRZSLG4vYFVs9YfR2WpemSZMONzM_jxpduyn6Gr9pLMULtydSAqn8Kz-WIskRjETDc_92LMb75yWF-B1k6iMyiHh_MOSRGUhm2B5irFsZR12Mtflnl48K1Yo/w364-h640/Image.jpeg" width="364" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09727177028975502543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604701274015740085.post-90286583939056778422024-03-13T04:54:00.000-07:002024-03-13T04:54:23.931-07:00#4 Detour alert!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU940q3eH2qQq7HaWQhcynz3Z0oh1gNx0wCuudB19W9BGFHKioNLZ1tqNdTO0cPJWn5Ko-at8pOuHsp1JvrvVeyoCM72Kd8uPbKlzlnHT1xpqqOYGJKFGWCanxqF-zpEDPOnyYduT67mGxvmwFwucLl8HOYh34Dn1CtJx373YAudUz5sqIP-Ea1JqANLI/s2010/Screenshot_20240313-064553.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2010" data-original-width="1003" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU940q3eH2qQq7HaWQhcynz3Z0oh1gNx0wCuudB19W9BGFHKioNLZ1tqNdTO0cPJWn5Ko-at8pOuHsp1JvrvVeyoCM72Kd8uPbKlzlnHT1xpqqOYGJKFGWCanxqF-zpEDPOnyYduT67mGxvmwFwucLl8HOYh34Dn1CtJx373YAudUz5sqIP-Ea1JqANLI/s320/Screenshot_20240313-064553.png" width="160" /></a></div>Starting April 8, the #4 will detour on its northbound route all summer due to work on Hass Street. The detour begins at 28th and Robinsdale where the bus will turn toward and come out on Mormon Coulee Road by Starbucks. It will follow MC Road to Losey, take a right, and continue up Losey. The stops at 28th and James, 28th and Hass, and 26th and Hass will be out of service.<p></p><p>Here's the official announcement from MTU:</p><p><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #2c3a51; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif;">Beginning Monday, April 08, 2024 Hass St will be closed for road work. Route 4 Downtown will use Robinsdale Ave to Mormon Coulee Road, Mormon Coulee Road to Losey Blvd and then back on route. If you have any questions, please ask you driver, or call 608-789-7350.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2c3a51; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2c3a51; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #2c3a51; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif;">Ceeb Toom Route 4 Downtown Passengers</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2c3a51; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #2c3a51; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif;">Pib hnub Monday, Plaub Hlis 08, 2024 Hass St yuav raug kaw rau kev ua haujlwm. Txoj Kev 4 Hauv Nroog yuav siv Robinsdale Ave mus rau Mormon Coulee Road, Mormon Coulee Road mus rau Losey Blvd thiab rov qab mus rau txoj kev. Yog tias koj muaj lus nug, thov nug koj tus tsav tsheb, lossis hu rau 608-789-7350.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2c3a51; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2c3a51; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #2c3a51; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif;">Atención Pasajeros Ruta 4 Centro</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2c3a51; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #2c3a51; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif;">A partir del lunes 8 de abril de 2024, Hass St estará cerrada por obras viales. La Ruta 4 del Centro utilizará Robinsdale Ave hasta Mormon Coulee Road, Mormon Coulee Road hasta Losey Blvd y luego regresará a la ruta. Si tiene alguna pregunta, pregúntele a su conductor o llame al 608-789-7350.</span></i></p><p><br /></p>cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09727177028975502543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604701274015740085.post-3781990362257093282024-03-04T18:15:00.000-08:002024-03-04T18:15:25.899-08:00Upcoming transit events and opportunities<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://witransitriders.org/events/annual-meeting" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1545" data-original-width="2000" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGS-M3Upue9pURcF5VmEuWny3ySvF-kol-POoKisohGtJvS9_TEkA73VeZpDpizvyFuX7_DUFeRL4WpRWg8ZEZcHN-UqCQaryqOnbyet1oDA8ey-VK84KOVmM5pRr76n62FfNBJQBDioPdF6BQIXNVNsTaYSySjyDTo981abng8UjVPzo5ym1NXimDqcs/w400-h309/2024wtraflyer3.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p>FIRST, On <b>Saturday, March 9 at 10 a.m.</b>, join us for a talk by Dave Steele of MobiliSE about the Milwaukee-area FlexRide, a service that provides on-demand worker transit in the area. The meeting is free and open to the public. Register for the link: <b><a href="https://tinyurl.com/wtra0324">https://tinyurl.com/wtra0324</a></b>. </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>March
18 is <mark class="proton-search-highlight">Transit</mark> Employees Appreciation Day</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">.
PLEASE SIGN OUR VIRTUAL THANK YOU CARD at
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.kudoboard.com/boards/GqNjtDaZ</a>
We'd p<mark class="proton-search-highlight">la</mark>nned to present this during <mark class="proton-search-highlight">Transit</mark> Equity Days but would
like to have even more signers. Please sign now. It's easy, free, and
quick!!</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZ6-TQXIED1W8N0mqAHFuY65v2LcT1GVclOXScevsj1c39QImvaDssTRIPoKVI60A6Lk087nfCDrTF2GNxrWInQF5OiT-3lnN3enCRzGwlS4KINsEq5-9TcteKhBD6BR4LJ5MmZ8x87dJeOu-zq5ZF6wSaRfUEyy9RebJGzJBaDtnjJPB2foDLrK4gT0/s720/humantransit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="720" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZ6-TQXIED1W8N0mqAHFuY65v2LcT1GVclOXScevsj1c39QImvaDssTRIPoKVI60A6Lk087nfCDrTF2GNxrWInQF5OiT-3lnN3enCRzGwlS4KINsEq5-9TcteKhBD6BR4LJ5MmZ8x87dJeOu-zq5ZF6wSaRfUEyy9RebJGzJBaDtnjJPB2foDLrK4gT0/s320/humantransit.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>On <b>March 21 at NOON</b> Central Time, join a free online webinar with transportation expert Jarrett Walker hosted by the Maryland Department of Planning as part of its Sustainable Growth webinar series. The webinar's title is <b><i>Human Transit: How Clearer Thinking about Public Transit Can Enrich Our Communities and Our Lives</i></b><i>. </i><p></p><p>Transportation expert Jarrett Walker believes that transit can be simple, if we focus on the underlying geometry that all transit systems share. Jarrett’s gift is being able to break down the basic principles of public transit so that you may have the tools necessary to clarify and advocate for your own values. Join Walker as he talks about his new book, Human Transit, and offers guidance to achieve successful public transit that will enrich any community.<br /><br />Find out more and register for this free webinar here: <b><a href="http://tinyurl.com/HumanTransit0321">tinyurl.com/HumanTransit0321</a></b></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>April
2</b> – <b>Election Day</b>. Please check with your county board candidates to
learn their positions on public transportation in our region. Do they
support improving and strengthening the SMRT system? Can they help
the MTU expand to provide better service for <span style="background-color: white;">Ona<mark class="proton-search-highlight" style="background-color: white;">la</mark>ska, West Salem,
Holmen and others? Do they support rail and interstate bus
improvements? Now is the time to vote <mark class="proton-search-highlight" style="background-color: white;">transit</mark> advocates into office.
Check your ballot, registration, polling p<mark class="proton-search-highlight" style="background-color: white;">la</mark>ce, and more at
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><a href="https://myvote.wi.gov" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank" title="https://myvote.wi.gov">https://myvote.wi.gov</a> <br /></b></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>April
28</b> – Earth Fair at Myrick Park. If you can help table for LATA, please contact us!</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWFL5t_vZimHTHW6NmV0kZIlp_aIpbB9spJoh9NxiX_S3qhsCb5FyWcqyK18n_ygFPYK8Ydcc5FwHkZPwWMZXZpzOVWfizyJzr8rVLtjOQOkn71LXX_4JkB8WrcLfE9U4Lo3v45XUPDhMaDCLUct_Uk018KgUPVDKiRApNG-Vpc_jZG-mIyuNGr0oP9BY/s677/2024-05Fktyer.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="677" data-original-width="439" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWFL5t_vZimHTHW6NmV0kZIlp_aIpbB9spJoh9NxiX_S3qhsCb5FyWcqyK18n_ygFPYK8Ydcc5FwHkZPwWMZXZpzOVWfizyJzr8rVLtjOQOkn71LXX_4JkB8WrcLfE9U4Lo3v45XUPDhMaDCLUct_Uk018KgUPVDKiRApNG-Vpc_jZG-mIyuNGr0oP9BY/s320/2024-05Fktyer.png" width="208" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>May 1 – Ride SMRT 2 Viroqua with LATA</b>! We leave La Crosse mid-morning, ride the Scenic Mississippi Regional Transit bus to Viroqua and then spend the afternoon exploring and eating. Rides back are on your own with four different return options. Cost is $4 per ride, paid in cash to the bus driver. For more details see <b><a href="https://lacrosseata.blogspot.com/p/smrt-2-viroqua.html">https://lacrosseata.blogspot.com/p/smrt-2-viroqua.html</a> </b>for details. Register at <b><a href="https://tinyurl.com/LATA2Viroqua">https://tinyurl.com/LATA2Viroqua</a></b><br /><br /><b>July 20</b> – The area <b>Disability Action Network will host Disability Pride Fest</b> from 11 to 4 at Central High School. If you would like to help table for LATA at this event, please email.<br /><br /><b>September 30 through October 6 is National Week Without Driving</b>, a time for everyone to experience life as a non-driver by signing up for the Week Without Driving challenge. If you would like to help plan this important event, please email.<br /><br /></span></span></span><p></p>cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09727177028975502543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604701274015740085.post-27600237907148722422024-03-02T10:18:00.000-08:002024-03-02T10:18:53.152-08:00Wisconsin Transit Riders Alliance Annual Meeting<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOh0GE81ooLo7L9kH_31SQJI9IOBcIkkCtPwfNM59BFDEOYk8D8V2khs_avI3BnNgx4T07dc2ZIVBqzAFPy6UmkbjREN4etPq-bdbGGAh_4GnlKaC2q-zpOvmbcLVdbZ3Si3VvwbyoOHgELecGkQf-gXtnjjhMkmM9nXKsFxhMDxIAILGaA5fJ5TrXYTA/s2000/2024wtraflyer3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1545" data-original-width="2000" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOh0GE81ooLo7L9kH_31SQJI9IOBcIkkCtPwfNM59BFDEOYk8D8V2khs_avI3BnNgx4T07dc2ZIVBqzAFPy6UmkbjREN4etPq-bdbGGAh_4GnlKaC2q-zpOvmbcLVdbZ3Si3VvwbyoOHgELecGkQf-gXtnjjhMkmM9nXKsFxhMDxIAILGaA5fJ5TrXYTA/w400-h309/2024wtraflyer3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Join us online on Saturday, March 9 to learn about MobiliSE and the FlexRide program that uses micro-transit to provide rides for workers in the Milwaukee area. The program is free and open to the public. Learn more here: <b><a href="https://witransitriders.org/events/annual-meeting">https://witransitriders.org/events/annual-meeting</a></b> or register for the program at <b><a href="https://tinyurl.com/WTRA0324">https://tinyurl.com/WTRA0324</a> </b> <br /><p></p>cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09727177028975502543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604701274015740085.post-85881086736666333452024-02-12T09:06:00.000-08:002024-02-12T09:41:55.698-08:00Be a spring transit advocate!<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSgSYmNuXNGXIYzFCK7D8DFaYH2wUuAB8Q3doEPvcm-FM_kaDrVYgOSx8_KYGqdmCuxlD5O4K_lp4BdxLjxe6qoSlerKvm1gkaXh4uy4T-ChTXyP4EJz34nzm-utWlu8LsyQUNGNkgBYVBRe3pxkqeg0whVSmLYY_ZBBWpW9AJ36T7KW5UkxOxNRxkCA/s4000/2024-0129-TEDLaXLibDisplay-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSgSYmNuXNGXIYzFCK7D8DFaYH2wUuAB8Q3doEPvcm-FM_kaDrVYgOSx8_KYGqdmCuxlD5O4K_lp4BdxLjxe6qoSlerKvm1gkaXh4uy4T-ChTXyP4EJz34nzm-utWlu8LsyQUNGNkgBYVBRe3pxkqeg0whVSmLYY_ZBBWpW9AJ36T7KW5UkxOxNRxkCA/w200-h150/2024-0129-TEDLaXLibDisplay-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">First, </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">THANK YOU! to those who participated in our Transit Equity Days programming,
January 29 through February 4. We had positive feedback, good media
coverage, and increased ridership. We were also fortunate to have the
opportunity to speak about transit with several elected leaders from
our area. <a href="https://tinyurl.com/tedlacrosse2024">Our event
page</a> has been updated with links to programs and media stories.
If you missed the <b>Transit to Trails webinar</b>, you can view it at </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/SierraClubWI/videos/1823149808147267/">https://www.facebook.com/SierraClubWI/videos/1823149808147267/</a></span>
<p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><b>PLEASE
SIGN OUR VIRTUAL THANK YOU CARD</b></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
to our area public transportation entities is still live; we'd like
more signers! <a href="http://www.kudoboard.com/boards/GqNjtDaZ">www.kudoboard.com/boards/GqNjtDaZ</a></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><a name="docs-internal-guid-903d54ed-7fff-3171-c996-716b06699742"></a></span></span>
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">The February 5
national TED live stream was great and included lots of great
information and news. You can watch it at the Labor Network for
Sustainability YouTube channel:
</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><a href="https://www.labor4sustainability.org/transit-equity-2024/livestream/"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><u><b><span style="background: transparent;">https://www.labor4sustainability.org/transit-equity-2024/livestream/</span></b></u></span></span></span></a>
</span></span>
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">The
LNS also offers regular programs on different transit-related topics.
Just recently a local transit advocated participated in their
Disability in Transit webinar. The link for that is not yet
available.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">America
Walks has put together a very important letter to elected leaders in
Washington, DC, asking them to redirect transportation funding from
highway expansions to maintaining existing roads and highways,
improving public transit, and invest in communities that have been
harmed by highway construction and expansion. It is signed by 195
organizations (8 from Wisconsin). </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><b>PLEASE
SIGN <a href="https://bit.ly/4bqrBUa">THE ACTION ALERT</a> </b></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">and
encourage others to act. For more details, view <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QFoUeOckyDRnHDKABYeUVgqx16XlbQWeK__H1sNwcqM/edit" target="_blank">the action toolkit</a>. </span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><span style="line-height: normal;"><b>Three bills you can help promote</b>:</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></p><div><ul data-editing-info="{"orderedStyleType":1,"unorderedStyleType":1}"><li style="list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><span style="line-height: normal;">Rep. Hank Johnson's <a href="https://hankjohnson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-johnson-proposes-transformational-public-transit-bill-0" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank" title="Stronger Communities through Better Transit Act">Stronger Communities through Better Transit Act</a>
would provide for dedicated ongoing funding for transit operations.
Please contact your federal elected officials and ask them to co-sponsor
and support this bill.<br /></span></span></span></li></ul></div><ul data-editing-info="{"orderedStyleType":1,"unorderedStyleType":1}"><li style="list-style-type: disc;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><span style="line-height: normal;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeP8_xxOMCKVdq1jrjaCwWXmAYgPONQjpB-muxMqhd_ekKmig/viewform?usp=pp_url" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank" title="Sen. Markey's Green Streets bill">Sen. Markey's Green Streets bill</a> <span>directs
the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish the Transit to
Trails Grant Program to award grants to certain entities (e.g., states,
local governments, and metropolitan planning organizations) for projects
that increase transportation access and mobility to public lands,
waters, parkland, monuments, or recreational opportunities for
critically underserved communities.</span><br /></span></span></span></p></li><li style="list-style-type: disc;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span>Senator Booker's <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1440?s=1&r=3" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank" title="Transit to Trails Act">Transit to Trails Act</a> <span>directs
the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish the Transit to
Trails Grant Program to award grants to certain entities (e.g., states,
local governments, and metropolitan planning organizations) for
projects that increase transportation access and mobility to public
lands, waters, parkland, monuments, or recreational opportunities for
critically underserved communities.</span></span></span></p></li></ul><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">1000
Friends of Wisconsin hosted a webinar last week about </span></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><b><a href="https://youtu.be/NjGlfVIN7Xo?feature=shared" target="_blank">TheFuture of Passenger Rail in Wisconsin</a>.</b></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Passenger rail is an important link to connect the local to the world. Plans for new rail and accompanying feeder bus service can make a huge difference in how we get around. (Still no public transit from Eau Claire to La Crosse, though!) </span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Our
one-hour </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><b>LATA leaders meeting is this coming
Wednesday, February 14, at 5:30 p.m. online</b></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">.
We will talk about TED and take notes for next year's event plus
start planning for our spring SMRT 2 Viroqua ride and talk about our
Ride with a Guide program. If you are interested in attending, <a href="mailto:LaCrosseTransitAdvocates@proton.me" target="_blank">please email for the link</a>. If you'd like to officially join LATA, please
<a href="https://tinyurl.com/joinlata">fill out this form</a> (free
this year).</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">The
</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><b>Wisconsin Sierra Club's monthly Transportation
Equity and Access Team</b></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> will meet next
Wednesday, February 14 at 10 a.m. If you are a Sierra Club member (or
<a href="https://act.sierraclub.org/donate/rc_connect__campaign_designform?id=7013q000002GJ4GAAW&formcampaignid=701310000008mUKAAY">want
to join</a>), it's a great way to work with others from around the
state on fair and equitable transportation budgets, processes, and
systems. Learn more here:
<a href="https://act.sierraclub.org/actions/Wisconsin?actionId=AR0319098">https://act.sierraclub.org/actions/Wisconsin?actionId=AR0319098</a></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
</span><b>MTU Board</b> will meet on <b>February 20 from 4 to 5 p.m</b>.
online and in person at City Hall. The meeting is open to members of
the public. Meeting details are not yet available but can be found at
<a href="https://cityoflacrosse.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx">https://cityoflacrosse.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx</a></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">On
<b>February 21 at 7:30 p.m.</b>, join a free one-hour “<b>Transit
Activism Training: How to make your transit fantasies reality</b>”
with <a href="https://www.carterlavin.com/">Carter Lavin</a>, a
climate and transit advocate from California and Hayden Clarkin
(@the_transit_guy). <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAude2trz0oEtWFjKteqv6u45kPvnlQ4On8#/registration">Learn
more and register here.</a></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">The
</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><b>Wisconsin
Transit Riders Alliance annual meeting will be on March 9 from 10
a.m.</b></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
to noon. It's open to all. The first hour is a public program with
guest Dave Steele, Executive Director of MobiliSE, a Milwaukee area
non-profit that operates FlexRide, a microtransit system that gets
people from Milwaukee to area jobs. </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><i>FlexRide</i></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
is an outgrowth of a civil rights suit against WisDOT’s highway
expansion program of about a decade ago and uses a pot of money that
is separate from that of the regular bus system but the funding
sources are ending soon. The talk is called </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><i>MobiliSE:
Addressing Immediate Needs, Focused on Long Term Solutions.</i></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
From 11 to noon, the annual business meeting will take place. You can
register here for the program and/or the meeting:
<a href="https://tinyurl.com/WTRA0324">tinyurl.com/WTRA0324</a></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">The
</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><b>Wisconsin
Association of Rail Passengers' spring meeting will be on April 6</b></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
in Wisconsin Dells. Details aren't yet available but you can get
updates </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><a href="https://wisarp.wordpress.com/2024/02/06/wisarp-spring-membership-meeting-date-announced/"><u>at
their website</u></a>
and we will update at ours when things are firmed up. For the past
few years, they have offered an online option.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Finally, we are l<b>ooking for people and organizations interested in planning</b> for a <b><a href="https://americawalks.org/campaigns/national-week-without-driving/" target="_blank">Week Without Driving</a></b> in late September/early October. Please email us if you are interested!</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><br /></span></span>
</p>
cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09727177028975502543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604701274015740085.post-79844668149471530752024-02-04T14:30:00.000-08:002024-02-04T15:45:04.227-08:00Support the Stronger Communities Through Better Transit Act!<p><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">The </span><em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px;">Stronger Communities Through Better Transit Act, </em><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px;">would authorize $20 billion annually for four years ($80B total) to transit systems for their operating budgets.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px;">Please learn about the bill: <a href="https://usa.streetsblog.org/2024/02/01/could-this-bill-finally-give-transit-agencies-the-operations-funding-they-need">https://usa.streetsblog.org/2024/02/01/could-this-bill-finally-give-transit-agencies-the-operations-funding-they-need</a></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px;">And <a href="https://www.congress.gov/members?q=%7B%22congress%22%3A118%7D" target="_blank">contact your legislators</a> to support and co-sponsor the bill. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px;">View the bill, summary, co-sponsors, schedule here: <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3744">https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3744</a></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px;">And, please support the <b>Transit to Trails Act</b> to ensure that anyone can access public green spaces, parks, and recreation areas whether or not they have a car.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Roboto;"><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3092">https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3092</a></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Roboto;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTIJTer0Np7MD-4rDNcIgkWjDxk-yay1fCBQp_SX29NTquVnfbRkGxnVVAQ0gB9SzMWnb2So84uo2BTYxOZS9iPyMake4ViphQl1iHEVfPBWVtC3SJgbtlLNTEuz-mmJ_Ull2hs-GeW6wA0q-lR9dZCHshMdPldQfNIlV3JyX8OAQePYzQ4iXWl8U9Sw/s1080/Screenshot_20240204-174022.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="471" data-original-width="1080" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTIJTer0Np7MD-4rDNcIgkWjDxk-yay1fCBQp_SX29NTquVnfbRkGxnVVAQ0gB9SzMWnb2So84uo2BTYxOZS9iPyMake4ViphQl1iHEVfPBWVtC3SJgbtlLNTEuz-mmJ_Ull2hs-GeW6wA0q-lR9dZCHshMdPldQfNIlV3JyX8OAQePYzQ4iXWl8U9Sw/s320/Screenshot_20240204-174022.png" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Roboto;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">This <a href="https://voicesforpublictransit.org/bridging-the-gap-commemorating-transit-equity-day/" target="_blank">recent post by Voices for Public Transportation</a> looks at how transit continues to play a critical role in the continuing fight for racial justice and equity.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></p>cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09727177028975502543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604701274015740085.post-82082673589905030392024-01-19T15:00:00.000-08:002024-01-19T15:04:30.051-08:00Transit Equity Days<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><a href="https://tinyurl.com/TEDLaCrosse2024" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1664" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRtchyjYV5aqakJo1V_LUQXFm6_vCeD9axROkt3oE-SIixpYx2XSHbA96EOzzFgD1C6ZSUTC-R-1A4o_v3XbqHGwggFQEtpIKXTE9pQ-NR56m6P_kDUkdoDd0kFsDwPRSTuDQixP728kciWV8sMqMZDYsirB7cUA0EyljBdp8euJI3r5rbnzecViC7_c/s320/tedWHITEBG.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />In February 2018, the <a href="https://www.atu.org/" target="_blank">Amalgamated Transit Union</a> partnered with the <a href="https://www.labor4sustainability.org/transit-equity/" target="_blank">Labor Network for Sustainability</a> to launch Transit Equity Day in honor of Rosa Parks, on her birthday, February 4. Mrs. Parks played a crucial role in
the civil rights movement by increasing access and equity in public transportation. Today, that movement and her actions continue to resonate, lifting up transit as a workers’ rights, civil
rights, and climate-justice issue.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span>For the past few years, the La Crosse area has recognized<b> </b>Transit Equity Days (TED), this year, January 29 through February 4 to educate our neighbors and community
leaders about the importance of a strong public transportation system and to share our stories about using our current public transportation system. We are fortunate to have one of the best public transit systems in the state, but challenges remain for those who rely on transit as their main way to get around.<br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span>We are looking forward to a full week of activities and events. Here's an overview. <span>For details, please see <a href="https://tinyurl.com/TEDLaCrosse2024">tinyurl.com/TEDLaCrosse2024</a>. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><span>First, please <a href="https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/GqNjtDaZ" target="_blank">SIGN OUR CARD</a> to local transit operators, staff, and administrators by Jan. 27 so we can present the card at our Monday event.<br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><span><b>FREE FARES on the MTU </b>from Monday, Jan. 29 through Sunday, Feb. 4!</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><span><b>FREE FARES on the SMRT </b>on Tuesday, January 30.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><span>Monday, Jan. 29 at 11:15 a.m. at the Transit Center, a TED press event. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><span>Monday
through Sunday, Jan. 29 through Feb. 4, the La Crosse
Public Library will host a display. (The library is accessible via the Circulators.)</span></span></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><span> <br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><span>Monday
through Friday, Jan. 29 through Feb. 2, Office Hours on the Bus. We invite local elected and community leaders to ride a circuit on the bus, talking with riders and drivers about their experiences.<br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><span>Wednesday, January 31 at the Southside Neighborhood Center from 7 to 8:30 p.m. <b>TRANSPORTATION LIBERATION</b> to help people consider and plan to go car-lite or car-free. (Get there on the Circulators or #1.)<br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><span>Thursday,
February 1, the Wisconsin Sierra Club and Coulee Region Group Sierra
Club will host an online program about the national <b>Transit to Trails for All</b>
initiative that is working for better access via public transit to
local, state, and national wild, green, and recreation areas. Learn more and register at <a href="https://tinyurl.com/WISC224-T2T4A" target="_blank">tinyurl.com/WISC224-T2T4A</a></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><span>Sunday,
February 4, the AARP will host a free screening of the Peabody
Award-winning film, <b>The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks</b> at the Rivoli
Theater at 1:30 p.m. followed by a panel discussion about transit
equity in the La Crosse area. <a href=" https://local.aarp.org/aarp-event/aarp-wi-transit-equity-day-screening-the-rebellious-life-of-mrs-rosa-parks-242024-77nbyqk923s.html " target="_blank">MUST PRE-REGISTER by clicking here</a> (free). </span></span></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><span>(Get there with #5.)<br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><span>Monday,
February 5, the Labor Network for Sustainability will host its annual
Transit Equity Day livestream on its YouTube channel, including voices
and events from around the country. Learn how to access the program at <a href="https://www.labor4sustainability.org/transit-equity-2024/livestream/" target="_blank">www.labor4sustainability.org/transit-equity-2024/livestream/ </a></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><span>There's more! Please visit <b><a href="https://tinyurl.com/TEDLaCrosse2024">tinyurl.com/TEDLaCrosse2024</a></b> and plan to participate! </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><span>If you'd like to help or co-sponsor, please email <a href="mailto:LaCrosseTransitAdvocates@proton.me">LaCrosseTransitAdvocates-at-proton.me</a>. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><span><b>Thank you, co-sponsors</b>:</span></span></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><span><a href="https://lacrosseata.blogspot.com" target="_blank">La Crosse Area Transit Advocates</a></span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><span><a href="https://cityoflacrosse.org/mtu" target="_blank">La Crosse MTU</a></span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><span><a href="https://ridesmrt.com" target="_blank">Scenic Mississippi Regional Transit</a></span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><span><a href="https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-wisconsin" target="_blank">Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin</a></span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><span><a href="https://www.citizenactionwi.org/join-citizen-action-of-wi-southwestern-co-op/" target="_blank">Citizen Action of Wisconsin - Driftless Co-op</a></span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><span><a href="https://sierraclub.org/wisconsin/coulee" target="_blank">Coulee Region Sierra Club </a></span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><span><a href="https://www.sustaininstitute.com/" target="_blank">Sustainability Institute </a></span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><span><a href="https://www.ywcalax.org/" target="_blank">YWCA La Crosse</a></span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><span><a href="https://climatealliancecg.org" target="_blank">Climate Alliance for the Common Good</a></span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><span><a href="https://local.aarp.org/la-crosse-wi/about-aarp/" target="_blank">AARP-Wisconsin</a></span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><span><a href="https://www.disabilityactionnetwork.com" target="_blank">Disability Action Network</a> <br /></span></span></span></li></ul><span style="font-family: arial;"></span>cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09727177028975502543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604701274015740085.post-80487365534403109332024-01-18T06:35:00.000-08:002024-01-18T06:35:26.850-08:00Rail Pass Discount<p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amtrak.com/usarailpass" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1038" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_m5JGPG0Xp2yDlasf7dl0d0fZieqvS3vJ511Nf-n_u8gZq1dox1SBtftQoxgRO1LozJ4ZZo8OJPKpgGZbVID3si1LPSHdIbcb9ZToWR01yIQ-gHUuD9VK5F6DzBv3uUyY3A3yea29q14pRcdExg96z6hcPj8SxpQ5VLJrQk830otwEdVgtODXOmE0h0/s320/Screenshot_20240118-082623.png" width="221" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;">Explore the country with the <a href="https://www.amtrak.com/usarailpass" target="_blank"><b>USA Rail Pass</b></a></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The USA Rail Pass gives you 10 rides (segments) over 30 days to your choice of over 500 destinations. When you book through January 25, 2024, you can explore for just $449. That’s a $50 saving and less than $45 per segment.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #00344d;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The USA Rail Pass allows you to take a multi-segment journey on Amtrak for one low, fixed price. After you purchase your pass, you will be able to start booking each segment of your trip directly from your purchase confirmation.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #00344d;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A travel segment occurs any time you board and disembark one of our trains (or other scheduled services). If your trip involves making one connection, you will use two segments of your USA Rail Pass.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #00344d;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The pass validity period is 120 days following the date of your purchase. Once you begin travel on your first segment, you will have 30 days to complete all remaining travel segments.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #00344d;"><span style="font-family: arial;">There are three important restrictions to keep in mind as you consider purchasing a USA Rail Pass:</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #00344d;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Route Restrictions</b>: USA Rail Pass is available on all Amtrak services with the exception of:</span></span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="background-color: white; color: #00344d;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Acela</span></span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; color: #00344d;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Auto Train</span></span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; color: #00344d;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Maple Leaf (Canadian stations only)</span></span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; color: #00344d;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thruway Bus Series 7000-7999</span></span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #00344d;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Fare Types</b>: USA Rail Pass is available for Sale and Value Fares only. Segments offering only Flex Fares are not available for rail pass bookings. When booking your segment on Amtrak.com or the Amtrak app, we will provide guidance on which departures are available with your pass.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #00344d;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>City Pairs</b>: Travel is restricted to two roundtrips (four one-way trips) between the same two stations — as well as all intermediate destinations on the route. To book multiple trips between the same two stations, consider a multi-ride pass.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #00344d;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Also, keep in mind that there are a limited number of seats available on each train for passengers booking trips on a USA Rail Pass.</i></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #00344d;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p><br /></p>cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09727177028975502543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604701274015740085.post-20301685283045609272024-01-04T18:42:00.000-08:002024-01-09T09:36:46.491-08:00New Year, New Opportunities!<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span>Happy New Year! Let's work to help more people make the transition to cleaner, cheaper, healthier, safer, and more environmentally friendly public transportation AND make public transportation stronger and better!</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4sQji45tD33lql2X4O3wW_4DxQP6gcrMoic1_ZVcywt4pED4JUZ1xaS7jcMULPiKijj4ueWwbMPkBdgK4AIGHbc1kDHZjq3AndT4lFLZk3lHglX6O8ysCH5nNF21DUZCQxuxa3Gd7V7uVX4z-3PTZRd6ESi6GEUKwEbBqlbt5iTxO2w31owa2M6jezfM/s1357/24r4atc.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: arial; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="1045" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4sQji45tD33lql2X4O3wW_4DxQP6gcrMoic1_ZVcywt4pED4JUZ1xaS7jcMULPiKijj4ueWwbMPkBdgK4AIGHbc1kDHZjq3AndT4lFLZk3lHglX6O8ysCH5nNF21DUZCQxuxa3Gd7V7uVX4z-3PTZRd6ESi6GEUKwEbBqlbt5iTxO2w31owa2M6jezfM/w308-h400/24r4atc.jpg" width="308" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span>Here are some opportunities:</span></span><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><b>Transportation Camp is Saturday, January 6</b>. This online national <br /><i>un</i>conference brings transit pros and advocates together to share ideas and plan for local and national improvements. The break-out board looks great and the speakers will be inspirational. Register at <a href="https://t4america.org/transportation-camp/">https://t4america.org/transportation-camp/</a></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span>Our <b>LATA Leaders</b> group will meet online on <b>Wednesday, January 10 at 5:30 p.m.</b> to finalize plans for Transit Equity Days and continue planning for 2024 advocacy and events. Please join us! Email or call 608-315-2693 for access information. </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOARVY2Ta7FrdWfNFvGl4DT0d0mRlhdvkPksQInjjEz8oQ0lK9T8z6A7rC4aRwsVL7kSBYCBRlNvMLF9hIHTb7i5Gh74qQ11O69f9iJJ5LeuzHvWPC3NJHC5dfvCFrX7pJzqIs82Mg3V2SRsME4vQNRD3UtsGsiBked51tbeDYgEcFCDoYbeI_WApdrEU/s1664/tedWHITEBG.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1664" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOARVY2Ta7FrdWfNFvGl4DT0d0mRlhdvkPksQInjjEz8oQ0lK9T8z6A7rC4aRwsVL7kSBYCBRlNvMLF9hIHTb7i5Gh74qQ11O69f9iJJ5LeuzHvWPC3NJHC5dfvCFrX7pJzqIs82Mg3V2SRsME4vQNRD3UtsGsiBked51tbeDYgEcFCDoYbeI_WApdrEU/w200-h169/tedWHITEBG.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><b>Transit Equity Days (TED) are coming January 29 through February 4</b>. This annual event is a chance to educate our neighbors and community leaders about the importance of a strong public transportation system. The more of us participating and sharing our stories and ideas, the stronger our voices will be. </span><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span>We are still finalizing some parts of the event, but please pencil in these dates and times and join us if you can.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><b>FREE FARES on the MTU </b>from Monday, Jan. 29 through Friday, Feb. 2!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span><b>FREE FARES on the SMRT </b>on one day during the week (TBD) <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span>Monday morning at 10:15 a.m. on Jan. 29 at the Transit Center, a TED press event. Can you come and show your support?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span>Monday through Friday, Jan. 29 through Feb. 2, Office Hours on the Bus. Our local elected and community leaders have been very willing to ride and talk about transit in past years. It helps for them to hear from the many people with many reasons who ride the bus. We will post a schedule later this month at our event page. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span>Monday through Sunday, Jan. 29 through Feb. 4 we are grateful to the La Crosse Public Library who will again host a display about the many aspects of Transit Equity. Please visit (you can take the Circulator!) and thank the Library for their support! <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span>Wednesday, January 31 at the Southside Neighborhood Center from 7 to 8:30 p.m. <b>TRANSPORTATION LIBERATION</b> to help people consider and plan to go car-lite or car-free.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span>Thursday, February 1, the Wisconsin Sierra Club and Coulee Region Group Sierra Club will host an online program about the national <b>Transit to Trails for All</b> initiative that is working for better access via public transit to local, state, and national wild, green, and recreation areas. Without transit, many people are unable to access these health-giving, healing public spaces. Learn more and register at <a href="https://tinyurl.com/WISC224-T2T4A" target="_blank">tinyurl.com/WISC224-T2T4A</a></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span>Sunday, February 4, the AARP will host a free screening of the Peabody Award-winning film, The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks at the Rivoli Theater at 1:30 p.m. followed by a panel discussion about transit equity in the La Crosse area.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span>Monday, February 5, the Labor Network for Sustainability will host its annual Transit Equity Day livestream on its YouTube channel, including voices and events from around the country. Learn how to access the program at <a href="https://www.labor4sustainability.org/transit-equity-2024/livestream/" target="_blank">www.labor4sustainability.org/transit-equity-2024/livestream/ </a></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span>We are still working on a couple of other events! Please visit the event page at <b><a href="https://tinyurl.com/TEDLaCrosse2024">tinyurl.com/TEDLaCrosse2024</a></b> and plan to participate! </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span>Finally, <b>PLEASE JOIN US!</b> Our group has many friends but we have not really sought official members. But now we are. This year, no dues! Just fill out this form (no info will be sold or shared) <a href="https://tinyurl.com/JoinLATA">tinyurl.com/JoinLATA</a> and you will be an official La Crosse Area Transit Advocate!</span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span>cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09727177028975502543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604701274015740085.post-66209248115399714712023-12-04T16:58:00.000-08:002023-12-04T16:59:16.734-08:00Amtrak free companion with roomette<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amtrak.com/home.html" target="_blank">Amtrak</a> will give a free companion ticket for those booking a roomette by Dec. 8 for travel from January 3 through March 27. Use code <b>C103.</b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVTMo-N_3JnKjN2PRSJGNw7OG-Sw4fsbZ8lG9UUyDrE54U7A3-0F8rJQzixA_LGK3vHB7CqgvZJYbODPanWlNTKb4JmJjbxNDzSzblyvJ0M5pYanZRPEK307sVJm0vbhqjoYEtinPh6hso6Gu2Q6I-rKzeJ42u_iIpeSC-A4-M4TdjYtiOE9TtBP5lNs/s890/amtrakfree.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVTMo-N_3JnKjN2PRSJGNw7OG-Sw4fsbZ8lG9UUyDrE54U7A3-0F8rJQzixA_LGK3vHB7CqgvZJYbODPanWlNTKb4JmJjbxNDzSzblyvJ0M5pYanZRPEK307sVJm0vbhqjoYEtinPh6hso6Gu2Q6I-rKzeJ42u_iIpeSC-A4-M4TdjYtiOE9TtBP5lNs/w360-h400/amtrakfree.png" width="360" /></a></b></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /> </b></span><br /><p></p>cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09727177028975502543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604701274015740085.post-36890322749409766622023-12-02T09:21:00.000-08:002023-12-02T18:34:33.151-08:00Learn and Feed Back!<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span>There are several opportunities for us to learn about what's happening at the city level concerning walking, biking, and taking the bus. Please try to attend one or more if you can. Also, would you be interested in joining a panel to talk about Transit Equity in early February? If yes, please email LaCrosseTransitAdvocates@proton.me.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span>But first, <i>please come</i> on <b>Thursday, December 14 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Talk Transit with MTU staff at the Southside Neighborhood Center</b>, 1300 South 6th Street (accessibly via #1 or Circulators). The event is hosted by the MTU, but LATA will have a table there. Can you help staff it? Please email or call 608-315-2693 if yes!<br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7OGY4RE89B4KCQbO-rdN-9uP2kgge1ge56ffe1-RbvrVN8miXfR_2fTIYEEJBe8XD9ogGBRw7bZ1VhzQmGJHOYX1Y5sRHY7jsCndoVBZn9eBysqm4iQEQLDV2R_X9gulyU7VXrD8Ll9SaZIx5jqyq5_cFsOqwPUZOCl7L3GqsTUCRnmqPx9INvMASus/s792/Talking%20Transit.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="615" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7OGY4RE89B4KCQbO-rdN-9uP2kgge1ge56ffe1-RbvrVN8miXfR_2fTIYEEJBe8XD9ogGBRw7bZ1VhzQmGJHOYX1Y5sRHY7jsCndoVBZn9eBysqm4iQEQLDV2R_X9gulyU7VXrD8Ll9SaZIx5jqyq5_cFsOqwPUZOCl7L3GqsTUCRnmqPx9INvMASus/w496-h640/Talking%20Transit.PNG" width="496" /> </a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span>There are a couple of city meetings
coming up that the public may attend.
</span></span><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span>On Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 8:30 a.m., the
city's Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) will meet in the
Council Chambers at City Hall AND online. The agenda is available at
least 24 hours before the meeting and includes the link to attend
online. Learn more here: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/LaXBPAC">https://tinyurl.com/LaXBPAC</a></span></span></li><li>
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span>On Tuesday, December 12 at 4:00 p.m.,
the city's MTU Board will meet online at 4:00 p.m. Find more
information, agendas, and link to attend at
<a href="https://tinyurl.com/LaXMTUBd">https://tinyurl.com/LaXMTUBd</a></span></span></li></ul>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span>Our LATA leaders meeting will be on
Wednesday, December 13 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. We'll talk about
Transit Equity Days plans (Jan. 29 through Feb. 4) and what we want
to do in 2024. Please join us if you can! Call or email for the link
to join.</span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span>We would love to include more
communities in our recognition of Transit Equity Days (TED), Jan. 29
through Feb. 4. Without access to good transit, many people are left
our of life. We are building a week of transit/equity-related
programs and events. If your group, organization, faith community,
non-profit, or business would like to support TED, please email or call.
</span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span>Remember, the <b>Transportation for Amerca
Transportation Camp <i><span style="text-decoration: none;">Un</span></i></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>conference
happens on Saturday, January 6</b>. This is a great chance to hear good
ideas from around the country, connect with other transit advocates,
and listen to fantastic speakers. The keynoter will be Veronica O.
Davis, Transportation Manager, City of Houston. Her new book,
</span></span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;">Inclusive
Transporation: A Manifesto for Repairing Divided Communities</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">
is a must-read! Get more information and register for the online
conference here: <a href="https://t4america.org/transportation-camp/">https://t4america.org/transportation-camp/</a></span></span></span></span></p>
</div>cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09727177028975502543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604701274015740085.post-34934989029658554132023-11-16T14:18:00.000-08:002023-11-16T14:18:43.703-08:00Detour updates!<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">We just heard that the Route 1 bus will be back on its normal track soon! With the <br />reconstruction of South Avenue, several stops have changed. Here's a brief update:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TgsPd_euNMEtrD7vQBlWEVWt2LIrAzm8xa3q-cZGJrzKN7NatxUKkEjoDISrRe6Le3Mn4qU175UyS3N1Il8FY_6AEblEf1BacNYwe5hrK6K-ZqSgZ2tVHpZk31IoqqL2ycaaquMreJw_n2gyCh5vqJ9KPquuxaRb5FGm2Ma7l1y4k-e89gqLxebEdXM/s816/southboundafterwestave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">\<img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="816" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TgsPd_euNMEtrD7vQBlWEVWt2LIrAzm8xa3q-cZGJrzKN7NatxUKkEjoDISrRe6Le3Mn4qU175UyS3N1Il8FY_6AEblEf1BacNYwe5hrK6K-ZqSgZ2tVHpZk31IoqqL2ycaaquMreJw_n2gyCh5vqJ9KPquuxaRb5FGm2Ma7l1y4k-e89gqLxebEdXM/w400-h239/southboundafterwestave.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The South Ave detour ends on Monday, November 20, 2023, and the buses
will go back to the normal route. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Some bus stops have been relocated due
to the road changes. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>Route 1 South Ave - Outbound</u> </span></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The bus stops have been removed from West Avenue and South Avenue and
from South Ave and Bennett. </span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A new stop has been placed on South Ave by Kwik
Spirits. </span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The bus stop and shelter remains by Aptiv but there is no longer a bus pull off lane <br /></span></span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>Route 1 Downtown - Inbound</u> </span></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The bus shelter by the Hmong Cultural Center on Ward Avenue has been
moved closer to driveway. </span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The bus stop has been removed from 16th Street and South Ave and placed
on South Avenue by the crosswalk close to America's Best Cleaning </span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The bus stop on the corner of South Avenue and West Avenue has been
moved back on South Avenue close to the parking lot of Inland Printing. </span></span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">No other bus stops have been affected. <br /></span></span></p>cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09727177028975502543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604701274015740085.post-39380727901866069852023-11-11T18:03:00.000-08:002023-11-11T18:03:03.936-08:00Your input needed!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYM6lB1zcNGmnsg3TwcYmZmC5td9zI970XEfM5Jq3r0gtCelvF3ioMC_L19Gce9e4lwdAwdtqEOypycTKV3GRuRMdl-CorVt_pdNITl8SKJUShoyyPE8L9Qew1nAORKt1ji26dAmdX_7B06hEFDUH64zX_3idQ-EVvwkMDOoHbejWDKqc4I3ptk2r28Bo/s795/Screenshot_20231111-195352.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="763" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYM6lB1zcNGmnsg3TwcYmZmC5td9zI970XEfM5Jq3r0gtCelvF3ioMC_L19Gce9e4lwdAwdtqEOypycTKV3GRuRMdl-CorVt_pdNITl8SKJUShoyyPE8L9Qew1nAORKt1ji26dAmdX_7B06hEFDUH64zX_3idQ-EVvwkMDOoHbejWDKqc4I3ptk2r28Bo/w192-h200/Screenshot_20231111-195352.png" width="192" /></a></div>Please participate with input for those updating the city's bike and pedestrian master plan. Transit riders are walkers and bicyclists. With transit connecting human-powered travel, you will need a car. WITH strong transit, walkers and bikers can get anywhere without a car provided the connections, schedules and infrastructure, are strong.<p></p><p>Feedback online at <a href="https://forwardlacrosse.org/">https://forwardlacrosse.org/</a></p><p>Remember to include transit in your input, stories, and suggestions. We need safe sidewalks and secure bike parking at bus stops, for example.</p><p>Would you attend a transit-oriented input session? Stay tuned!</p>cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09727177028975502543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604701274015740085.post-70180430811489668432023-10-11T04:35:00.009-07:002023-10-11T04:37:33.354-07:00Pedestrian Safety<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #262a33; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Fall is officially here!</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #262a33; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9uZPrszCI4cQgETfOc_wZnGpA-VLsUxhx7jUo8E57frXtS-O4r1cE-IbbZg5uajxk5zKKLGVclrOyq2e7qtRxgqzDZBMGBxmm7rwIAK4XX8DDPQ2RAVaZJwuym4hse40OzF6CH7bvRIQGLl74YH4m6ad0o86qxghihJ8fg0Eguk4vaIMta1_v4gTjwqI/s768/WCSD-Share-Graphic-2-scaled.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9uZPrszCI4cQgETfOc_wZnGpA-VLsUxhx7jUo8E57frXtS-O4r1cE-IbbZg5uajxk5zKKLGVclrOyq2e7qtRxgqzDZBMGBxmm7rwIAK4XX8DDPQ2RAVaZJwuym4hse40OzF6CH7bvRIQGLl74YH4m6ad0o86qxghihJ8fg0Eguk4vaIMta1_v4gTjwqI/w200-h200/WCSD-Share-Graphic-2-scaled.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #262a33; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Did you know October happens to be <a href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/national-pedestrian-safety-month" target="_blank">Pedestrian Safety Month</a>? </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #262a33; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">How ever you roam - on foot, roll, or by bike, you are a pedestrian at some point. <a href="https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/projects/multimodal/nd.aspx" target="_blank">Thirty-one percent</a> of Wisconsinites do not drive. This also includes people with vision loss. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #262a33; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">On <b><i>October 12 at 11 a.m., a White Cane Day proclamation will be read at City Hall. I would love for transit/pedestrian advocates join us and support our local B/VI (blind and visually impaired) community.</i></b> Over 109,000 Wisconsinites who utilize a white cane or guide dog 100% rely on public transportation and being a pedestrian.</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="background-color: white; color: #262a33; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">On October 15th, <a href="https://nfb.org/programs-services/blind-equality-achievement-month/white-cane-awareness-day" target="_blank">White Cane Safety Day</a> celebrates the achievements of people who are Blind or Visually Impaired. It promotes awareness of people walking who use white canes or guide dogs to assist them and to increase awareness of <a href="https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/scob/whitecanelaw.htm" target="_blank">Wisconsin’s White Cane Law</a>, which requires that motorists come to a full stop before approaching closer than 10 feet to a pedestrian who is using a white cane or guide dog.</span></p><p class="p1" style="background-color: white; color: #262a33; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="background-color: white; color: #262a33; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Please consider reaching out to local officials to help advocate for <a href="https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/what-to-know-about-accessible-pedestrian-signals-audible-signs" target="_blank">Audible Pedestrians Signals</a> and Accessibility within our great city!</span></p><p class="p2" style="background-color: white; color: #262a33; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="background-color: white; color: #262a33; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Liz</span></p>cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09727177028975502543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604701274015740085.post-29974372279927281202023-09-30T07:27:00.006-07:002023-09-30T07:43:57.227-07:00Oct. 2-8 WEEK WITHOUT DRIVING<p> <span style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 26px; text-align: center;"><b>Join us October 2-8, 2023 to take on the challenge.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: arial; font-size: 26px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEsrsaJA9wg8Jbt5xH8fuxBZZhZfrrodqWNo2pZWqYsIcCIq1gLgLYmNv3GFuL23ACkrxyuDS9F-mFNrJRjMGpRZccPHnLpegvgyMt27lxgfT3ee5P_qO6jJh8VTVbP2nzCcMFtVObdl0S1qHaoAepEZr_pOgPqibyx0I-ejdr_suArcZKUpgOBg/s1398/Screenshot_20230930-085235.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1398" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEsrsaJA9wg8Jbt5xH8fuxBZZhZfrrodqWNo2pZWqYsIcCIq1gLgLYmNv3GFuL23ACkrxyuDS9F-mFNrJRjMGpRZccPHnLpegvgyMt27lxgfT3ee5P_qO6jJh8VTVbP2nzCcMFtVObdl0S1qHaoAepEZr_pOgPqibyx0I-ejdr_suArcZKUpgOBg/w309-h400/Screenshot_20230930-085235.png" width="309" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b><i><a href="https://tinyurl.com/WWD23-LaCrosse" target="_blank">Take the challenge</a>! Experience a week </i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b><i>without driving and consider what life is like for the <a href="https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/projects/multimodal/nd.aspx" target="_blank">up to 40% of fellow La Crosse adults</a> who are non-drivers. </i></b></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Sign up for the challenge: <b><a href="https://tinyurl.com/WWD23-LaCrosse">https://tinyurl.com/WWD23-LaCrosse</a></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Or</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Print out or grab a <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0ztqET0ij6mCpFqu2qmQ35tBcoJEHZOQzdmaPudUEU3wLoUu3eji26OQry_HKINy6TbipdGMsy93EP3cWoV0sgFwIGBytwwftLVjUf5nDiP6E0VJYCP7ZZwhPYtz7yzB8kbx9l9suRja_0k2q65GRH-ejLWd6OQ-h1rcHS4ILiJBhI8Ssk4SwQ/s1388/Screenshot_20230930-085240.png" target="_blank">#WWD bingo card</a> and turn it in by October 16 for a prize. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Bingo cards can be picked up and dropped off at any of the following locations: City Hall lobby at the Parks and Recreation desk, Grand River Station, any La Crosse Library Branch, and Smith Bikes.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0ztqET0ij6mCpFqu2qmQ35tBcoJEHZOQzdmaPudUEU3wLoUu3eji26OQry_HKINy6TbipdGMsy93EP3cWoV0sgFwIGBytwwftLVjUf5nDiP6E0VJYCP7ZZwhPYtz7yzB8kbx9l9suRja_0k2q65GRH-ejLWd6OQ-h1rcHS4ILiJBhI8Ssk4SwQ/s1388/Screenshot_20230930-085240.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1388" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0ztqET0ij6mCpFqu2qmQ35tBcoJEHZOQzdmaPudUEU3wLoUu3eji26OQry_HKINy6TbipdGMsy93EP3cWoV0sgFwIGBytwwftLVjUf5nDiP6E0VJYCP7ZZwhPYtz7yzB8kbx9l9suRja_0k2q65GRH-ejLWd6OQ-h1rcHS4ILiJBhI8Ssk4SwQ/w311-h400/Screenshot_20230930-085240.png" width="311" /></a></div><p></p><p><i style="font-family: arial;"><b>Try out a <a href="https://driftlax.org/" target="_blank">Drift Cycle</a> bike share for one hour free</b> </i><span style="font-family: arial;">with code WWD2023</span><i style="font-family: arial;">.</i></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><b>Try out the <a href="Https://cityoflactosse.org/mtu" target="_blank">MTU</a> for free</b> </i>on Wednesday, October 4.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><b>Try out the <a href="https://ridesmrt.com" target="_blank">SMRT Bus</a> for free</b> </i>on Thursday, October 5 (join <a href="https://lacrosseata.blogspot.com" target="_blank">La Crosse Area Transit Advocates</a> on that day for a <a href="https://tinyurl.com/LATA2Viroqua" target="_blank">Ride SMRT 2 Viroqua</a>)</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://tinyurl.com/LATA2Viroqua" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="443" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJsZVBnlg2YstLxl5VwCxEr64d61zq-gXVZwPsGsi_mlVt6JPSXgba5h9O8pLjVLeeXeOoxy7veWWjimpn1L5DusVtYbkAX7puvc9GSL71nOsRglONzxxQrXFm3erv5j9459sswueHTfSSJaLJMuRt2izadKyncqCnANNJrw1dAK9VySOdmckpg/s320/2023Flyer1%20(1).jpg" width="208" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">🚶🏼♀️ 🚍 🚶🏿 🚲 🚶🏿♀️ 🛹🚶🏽♂️</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px auto 1rem; max-width: 720px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>From <a href="https://AmericaWalks.org">AmericaWalks.org</a></i>: <span>People without a c</span></span><span face="acumin-pro, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16px;">ar or unable to drive should be able to get to where they need to go safely and effectively. But every day, Americans who can’t drive – approximately 25 percent of the population – face significant barriers to mobility such as inadequate sidewalks, poor transit, lack of connectivity and dangerous roads. The needs of non-drivers are too-often disregarded in transportation infrastructure and policies. Our goal should be a transportation system designed to support all individuals, regardless of ability, age, or income, that will strengthen our communities and enhance our quality of life.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px auto 1rem; max-width: 720px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In 2020, <a href="https://www.disabilityrightswa.org/programs/disabilitymobility/wwd/" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #548028; cursor: pointer; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Disability Mobility Initiative</a> began documenting the experiences of non-drivers in the State of Washington. In 2021 and 2022, they challenged elected officials and other decision-makers to a <a href="https://www.disabilityrightswa.org/programs/disabilitymobility/wwd/" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #548028; cursor: pointer; line-height: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Week Without Driving</a> – with profound effects on those who participated. For 2023, Disability Mobility Initiative is partnering with America Walks to take Week Without Driving national.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px auto 1rem; max-width: 720px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="font-family: arial;">America Walks urges elected officials, public officials, transportation professionals, organizations, advocates, and individuals to participate in the National Week Without Driving. We want those who have the option to drive regularly to understand the barriers and challenges that non-drivers face when trying to move safely in their communities, and work with non-drivers to create better communities for all.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px auto 1rem; max-width: 720px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 1.625rem; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px auto 1rem; max-width: 720px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><br /></p>cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09727177028975502543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604701274015740085.post-46845034438196454922023-09-10T04:00:00.002-07:002023-09-10T04:00:00.139-07:00SMRT to VIROQUA<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i> Our 2023 trip is set! Join us!</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Catch
the SMRT Yellow Route #2 as it winds through La Crosse mid-morning and
arrive in Viroqua at a little after 11 a.m. Spend an hour or an
afternoon. Remember, the Viroqua Shared Ride Taxi can help you get
around in Viroqua and Westby. Return trip is on your own. Check the <a href="https://ridesmrt.com" target="_blank">BLUE and YELLOW schedules</a> for options.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This year's ride is part of La Crosse #Week Without Driving and <b>fares will be FREE</b>!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://tinyurl.com/LATA2Viroqua" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="677" data-original-width="439" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPM7VJqlNI82frKEC8O_Cny7exutBzVFhFYEGO9DLCGPsWFNGGjgB6cwsFP2e4iPcfsm_e3Alxmq7BnHUDlBwIrGIKo-vvrYFS1fxOcLue0_aHZfCjp8RCCM7bRRrcxRkJdLm8ZnwdEOy415EB9EnvDqHrYvOWc1GHPHjpSnAENyixu4fuwwpKNIDdrk/w416-h640/23flyer.jpg" width="416" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Ride
the Scenic Mississippi Regional Transit (SMRT) bus from La Crosse to
Viroqua for a day of advocacy, sight-seeing, shopping, dining, and
exploring. We’ll leave mid-morning from La Crosse. We have invited local
elected officials to join us, so we can talk about the importance of
regional public transit. Check our web page for updates.</span><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We’ll
arrive in Viroqua at about 11 a.m. and you will choose what to do,
where to go, and how long to stay There are four return trip options
which have you back in La Crosse between 1:30 and 6:00 p.m. <br /><br />This
event is part of National Week Without Driving and the bus fare is
FREE! Bring your own lunch or eat at a restaurant. Other expenses will
depend on what you choose to do, including:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Driftless Books & Music * The Vernon County Museum<br />Paper, Scissors, Stone * Ewetopia * Viroqua Public Market<br />Viroqua Food Co-op * Thoreau’s Garden and more!</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Or, consider taking a Walking Tour, suggested by the Vernon County Historical Society! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.vernoncountyhistory.org/walking/walk_tours.php" target="_blank">Main Street Meandering * Heritage Hike * Courthouse Trail</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Catch the SMRT Yellow Route #2 to Viroqua:</b></span></div>
<center>
<table font="Arial" size="10p">
<tbody>
<tr width="80%">
<td style="text-align: left;" width="10%"><span style="font-family: arial;">9:48</span></td>
<td style="text-align: left;" width="36%"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">UWL by Cartwright Ctr</span></span></td>
<td style="text-align: left;" width="8%"> <br /></td>
<td style="text-align: left;" width="10%"><span style="font-family: arial;">10:03</span></td>
<td style="text-align: left;" width="36%"><span style="font-family: arial;">Mayo Clinic Shelter</span></td>
</tr>
<tr><td style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">9:54</span></td>
<td style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">WTC (7th St Aca Rec Ctr)</span></span></td>
<td style="text-align: left;"> <br /></td>
<td style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">10:08</span></td>
<td style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Gundersen East Bldg</span></td>
</tr>
<tr><td style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">9:58</span></td>
<td style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Fifth & King</span></td>
<td style="text-align: left;"> <br /></td>
<td style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">10:16</span></td>
<td style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shopko South</span></span></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table><b></b></center><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Return trip, YOUR CHOICE:</b><br />Return
at 12:17 (back in La Crosse 1:17-1:47) OR 2:30 (3:28-3:55) OR 3:24
(4:22-4:42) OR 4:39 (5:40-6:07) (Retrun trip begins at the Vernon
Memorial Hospital.)<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Please sign up by October 1 at <a href="https://tinyurl.com/LATA2VIROQUA">tinyurl.com/LATA2VIROQUA</a> because <i>SPACE IS LIMITED!</i></b></span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Questions? Email LaCrosseTransitAdvocates@proton.me</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">OR call 608-315-2693 and leave a message for a call back<br /></span></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><br /></span></p>cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09727177028975502543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604701274015740085.post-76949759570916863532023-09-03T05:37:00.004-07:002023-09-03T05:39:22.001-07:00The 3D Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHD9aUKqJmYRM0_gf9nbw5TyAU0PSajua0-BrkMn80uodSO_-qScenKOfqQz1q15kSQoQTyD3-Njm2xerF5BPIU5sNRCgfWIt-5uGfqDp7dpCws1wXragtpR2kjoumaNvqC5PIT7iUC-F7_5dGNiX4KBrbtZGuXGMejfcyhc3m7Yj27iWy9fDAHBVbLY/s720/photostudio_1693742986322.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="720" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHD9aUKqJmYRM0_gf9nbw5TyAU0PSajua0-BrkMn80uodSO_-qScenKOfqQz1q15kSQoQTyD3-Njm2xerF5BPIU5sNRCgfWIt-5uGfqDp7dpCws1wXragtpR2kjoumaNvqC5PIT7iUC-F7_5dGNiX4KBrbtZGuXGMejfcyhc3m7Yj27iWy9fDAHBVbLY/w200-h110/photostudio_1693742986322.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<p><span style="font-family: arial;"> Thanks to those who came out to support public transit in La Crosse, share transit stories and ideas, and get a sneak peak at the Fryseth Family 3D project! It was nice to meet up in person for a change. There was even <a href="https://www.wxow.com/news/la-crosse-mtu-hosts-meet-and-greet-event/article_a796aea0-485d-11ee-81ea-f3c4e10aa794.html" target="_blank">a news report</a> about the event! Thanks, Channel 19! </span></p><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Here's more about the 3D tactile map project from <span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262a33;">Lillian and Quentin Fryseth:</span></span></div><div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #262a33;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i></i></span></div><blockquote><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #262a33;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">How would you navigate our MTU system if you had a disability? Sure, the app is ok, but it doesn’t address the transit center/transfer point, or it can be confusing for those who may not want to use the app. </span></i></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #262a33;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></i></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #262a33;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">This is a question that my brother and I witnessed first hand. My mother is blind and has difficulty at times remembering where a bus is located or schedule. We saw a need for accessibility change!</span></i></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #262a33;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></i></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #262a33;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">We are creating a tactile map of the outdoor portion of the transit center as well as the Clinton/Caledonia Street transfer point. This would be color contrast 3D tactile areas with large raised print with braille on buses and street tags. </span></i></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #262a33;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></i></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #262a33;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">We also are updating and simplifying time table routes and putting a QR code opposite the number on each of the buses to make it easier to use. The QR code will also give a clock face directional cue, using the information kiosk as the focus point, to improve accessibility. </span></i></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #262a33;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></i></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #262a33;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">On the Clinton and Caledonia Street Transfer Point, it will give the direction of travel and where each bus is located. Both maps will also include a MTU phone number in large print and in braille. </span></i><div dir="auto"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: arial;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><i>This will hopefully assist people to travel independently and ride confidently who may have cognitive impairments, be elderly, blind or have low vision.</i></span></div></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #262a33;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></i></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #262a33;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">We have been working in partnership with the La Crosse Library, and have had our parents support the cost to 3D print, as well as the MTU with route information and many questions. We are hoping to complete this project with the conclusion of our summer break before school starts.</span></i></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #262a33;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></i></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #262a33;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Our hope is that the community as a whole will be able to utilize our MTU transit map with ease. It also will be a more cost effective option then other methods to travel within our great city.</span></i></div></blockquote></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimON5M94PDZAmjzBTKEf0nDiwC3mtRizg8_WR1fegw1UIJbhe0ge_ShDtGRC5KUTWE2plUjdEqZzFq-8F3GaAuXh7cA-sy9JIh9Aw9ebqoRUdOJuAiQ4CQerDqSRLNMrUAuv4OZFxYuHIh-1238CNJnc_69lqJvTEx9nDlyo30gSJVeLo3mfcLJG58hho/s720/photostudio_1693742625036.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div></div></div>cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09727177028975502543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604701274015740085.post-48663136441521076742023-08-19T09:28:00.000-07:002023-08-19T09:28:53.313-07:00Events coming up!<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Mark your calendars! Here are some one-time and ongoing events we invite you to attend/participate in. We have had few opportunities for in-person events, so we're excited to share these. </span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcHlwCVxZFPK9ympJcX-MZyW6mf_SXQsSnoCqLn6XuwonBiD9huOgkDh_UqiR61guHmnk6eRxSM5w0UW7cpyRXc3IJMt-NPlSlYDsL4agXiKlBPaK7_AzW2zCpWV-i1lE4F289enOdh1g5RTp0nvqeMOw1hqGRHq1xxwzU7ghsh-gqhAWVAlStNgGO6Y/s1838/2023-0831-MeetNGreetFlyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: arial; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1427" data-original-width="1838" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcHlwCVxZFPK9ympJcX-MZyW6mf_SXQsSnoCqLn6XuwonBiD9huOgkDh_UqiR61guHmnk6eRxSM5w0UW7cpyRXc3IJMt-NPlSlYDsL4agXiKlBPaK7_AzW2zCpWV-i1lE4F289enOdh1g5RTp0nvqeMOw1hqGRHq1xxwzU7ghsh-gqhAWVAlStNgGO6Y/w400-h310/2023-0831-MeetNGreetFlyer.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Please join us on <b>Thursday, August 31 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Weigent Park</b> for <b>Walk & Roll - </b><i><b>Mobility to GO!</b> </i>a Meet & Greet with La Crosse Area Transit Advocates and the MTU. There will be an MTU bus with the new Quantum system, some refreshments, door prizes, and the chance to talk transit with advocates and MTU staff. We may also have some elected leaders there. Please plan to attend if you can. Knowing that people appreciate and support transit <i>and</i> transit advocates makes a big difference! Take the #2 bus! Please COME TO THE EVENT! and share and post the flyer (<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yehR99BHR8Y9lFBQtR4A9GkLDROQB3xV/view?usp=drive_link" target="_blank">click here for a .pdf version</a> for printing).<br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Our annual <b>Ride SMRT 2 Viroqua will be on Thursday, October 5</b> this year. As usual we will leave the La Crosse area mid-morning and land in Viroqua at about 11. There are several options for return trips (on your own). The SMRT bus costs $3 each way (exact change, pay the driver). There's lots to do in Viroqua and good food to eat. We will invite some elected officials, too. The flyer will be ready soon, but you can sign up now at <a href="https://tinyurl.com/SMRT2Viroqua">https://tinyurl.com/SMRT2Viroqua</a>. Registration is not required, but it helps. This event will occur during National Week Without Driving.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">La Crosse is gearing up to recognize the first annual <b><a href="https://americawalks.org/campaigns/national-week-without-driving/" target="_blank">National Week Without Driving</a>, October 2-8</b>. We are still 8n planning stages, but we would love to do a Week Without Driving challenge along with other individual events. If your organization, faith group, non-profit, at business would like to get involved, <a href="Mail to:lacrossetransitadvocates@proton.me" target="_blank">please email us</a>! More details available next month.</span></span></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-size: small;"><i style="font-family: arial;">People without a car or unable to drive should be able to get to where they need to go safely and effectively. But every day, Americans who can’t drive – approximately 25 percent of the population – face significant barriers to mobility such as inadequate sidewalks, poor transit, lack of connectivity and dangerous roads. The needs of non-drivers are too-often disregarded in transportation infrastructure and policies. Our goal should be a transportation system designed to support all individuals, regardless of ability, age, or income, that will strengthen our communities and enhance our quality of life.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><i style="font-family: arial;">In 2020, Disability Mobility Initiative began documenting the experiences of non-drivers in the State of Washington. In 2021 and 2022, they challenged elected officials and other decision-makers to a Week Without Driving – with profound effects on those who participated. For 2023, Disability Mobility Initiative is partnering with America Walks to take Week Without Driving national.</i></span></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We are still hoping people will take note of audible stop announcements (or their absence) so we can know if there are particular routes that need to improve ADA compliance. If you remember, please report your experience at <a href="https://tinyurl.com/latastoptest">https://tinyurl.com/latastoptest</a></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Some other transit-related dates this fall:</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">* September 15 is <b><a href="https://www.myparkingday.org/" target="_blank">PARK(ing) DAY</a></b> - On this day, activists around the country "park" parks in parking spaces to illustrate the amount of space given to relatively free or low-cost storage for cars. How does this relate to transit? An overabundance of parking is not only costly for communities, including non-drivers, who subsidize car storage and prioritize car storage over higher-value potential development where cars are stored, it also gives people little reason to switch to transit which is cheaper, cleaner, safer, and more climate-friendly.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">* September 22 is <b><a href="https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/world-car-free-day-22-september-great-opportunity-reduce-air-pollution" target="_blank">WORLD CAR-FREE DAY</a></b> - This United Nations sponsored event reminds people that there are other ways to travel, including low-cost, zero or low-carbon ways, and offers the opportunity to look at the air pollution, traffic deaths, public space use, and community costs our car-centric culture has brought us. UWL will recognize World Car-Free Day </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">* October is <b><a href="https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials/pedestrian-safety" target="_blank">PEDESTRIAN SAFETY MONTH</a></b> - <i>"NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) is strengthening its efforts to improve safety for pedestrians and
other vulnerable road users by suggesting activities and providing
sample social media posts and messages, free infographics and other
resources. The personal, physical, and environmental benefits of walking
can lead to healthier, quieter, cleaner, and safer streets. Walking can
also improve local economies and enhance social and community
engagement, which can lead to more vibrant, resilient, and livable
spaces."</i></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;">* October 4 is<b> <a href="https://www.walkbiketoschool.org/" target="_blank">WALK AND ROLL TO SCHOOL DAY</a></b> - This day highlights the need for communities to ensure safe spaces for school children (and everyone) to walk and roll to school, work, shopping, entertainment, social activities, appointments, and more. While it focuses on the human-powered modes of <i>active transportation</i>, transit is part of the infrastructure that allows people to use active transportation for everything. Transit extends a walker’s and biker's range and is part of the public transportation system that can make private car ownership a luxury rather than a necessity.<br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p></p>cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09727177028975502543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604701274015740085.post-42888487694407007022023-07-13T12:50:00.002-07:002023-07-13T14:20:20.351-07:00Updates and opportunities<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.wisdotplans.gov/plan/atp2050" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="1255" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0r_E0bc6mJUu7KFJzwhlNgpH3I9k32mSEb4DPJVMaHZqQSoPpTXPys-sXCfm-_uATZFDHrTQ_wrIBxZ5h3cDrO5wSwoLfVX1_4aQocYnn24eg1FLJtA0aHTuMo_Bn6XLu8ik_lr_-qM-zeKC1k7eZ1qoyKLfZ6teDLRrzQlkhJrQeKJ3RSQzWs-kTnU/w400-h165/wisdot2050.png" width="400" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">WisDOT is updating its active transportation plan. Comments are due by JULY 14. Find the plan and comment form at <a href="https://www.wisdotplans.gov/plan/atp2050">https://www.wisdotplans.gov/plan/atp2050</a> <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">The LATA leaders meeting has been postponed from July 13 to July 20 from 5:30 to 6:30 so people can attend the important July 13 city council meeting at 6 p.m. If you would like to attend the July 20 meeting (online), please email LaCrosseTransitAdvocates@proton.me or call 608-315-2693 for the Zoom link.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">The MTU will be at the July 22 Disability Pride Fest from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Copeland Park with one of their new buses with the new Quantum system that lets wheelchair riders lock themselves into place. LATA could not find enough volunteers for a booth, but if you go, consider taking and handing out LATA cards. Email or call to get some.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">We are working on an August in-person event, possibly with the MTU. We hope to have a date and location finalized soon and a flyer available by or before August 1.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Please take a little extra time after your next trip to complete the Audible Stop Audit form. The ADA requires major stops on public transit to be announced by voice or recording, but we have found that often there are no announcements and sometimes they are too soft to hear or too late to be of any use. We would like to have some data for the MTU in requesting better adherence to this rule, if needed. The form asks for date, time, bus number, route number, and what stops you actually heard (and whether you could actually hear them). Find the form here: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/LATAStopTest">tinyurl.com/LATAStopTest</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">AMTRAK: Please call Rep. Van Orden (202-225-5506) Tell him that you want him to vote
against cuts to federal funding of passenger rail in the Fiscal Year
2024 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Bill. Please forward this action request to other transit/rail supporters. <br /></span></p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">More information is available on this effort by clicking this link -</span><div dir="auto"> <span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><a href="https://railpassengers.org/happening-now/news/releases/statement-on-houses-proposed-cuts-to-amtrak-in-fy24-budget/" rel="noreferrer nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://railpassengers.org/happening-now/news/releases/statement-on-houses-proposed-cuts-to-amtrak-in-fy24-budget/</a></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">Several grassroots initiatives are highlighting the need for seating at transit stops. Where there are no shelters, often there are no seats. If transit wants more choice riders, we must have better accommodations at stops, including seating. Currently, for many, waiting for the bus means sitting on a curb, sidewalk, or even on the boulevard grass. <a href="https://dentonrc.com/news/denton/grassroots-group-builds-benches-to-fill-need-at-dcta-bus-stops/article_9b74f6da-34a1-566c-86c3-005c43d9a60d.html" target="_blank">This article</a> is about a group in Denton, Texas that made its own benches from pallets and drops them at stops where seating has been requested. You may remember that Wisconsin Transit Riders Alliance hosted the group, No Bus Cuts Denton, at an online program earlier this year. <a href="https://wapo.st/3Y624cF" target="_blank">Here's one</a> about a man who started making simple benches after seeing a woman sitting in the dirt waiting for a bus. And, in <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-07-03/how-creative-diy-benches-can-fix-bad-bus-stops" target="_blank">this Bloomberg article</a>, a variety of grassroots-built benches are highlighted. Maybe LATA could work on creating some simple bus seating for worthy stops in 2024? What do you think? Just for fun, where would YOU like to see a bus bench? <a href="https://forms.gle/mkfzRZJHzsHjdeYw8" target="_blank">Fill out the form</a>, and we'll report which stops get the most mentions later this year. Share the link: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/LATABenchForm">tinyurl.com/LATABenchForm<br /></a></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br />We are still working on scheduling a fall ride to Viroqua on the SMRT bus. More details will ve available around September 1.<br /></span></div>cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09727177028975502543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604701274015740085.post-4548545943348272782023-06-15T19:42:00.001-07:002023-06-15T19:42:36.455-07:00New buses, new features!<p><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262a33; font-size: 16px;">MTU has received two news buses with the rear-facing securement locations where the passenger can secure themselves. </span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262a33; font-size: 16px;">Wheelchair users and others are invited to check it out at a <b>June 29 event in front of the Main Library from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.</b></span></p>cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09727177028975502543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604701274015740085.post-7185052702451363462023-06-05T18:48:00.001-07:002023-06-05T18:48:15.026-07:00Juneteenth is coming!<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://juneteenthlaxwi.weebly.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="988" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBBNVeyYaxQnQc8gj6sguQyQA6ONWkr6zuLo_sz-tCUvRtTe5tNxcVf5hMgICYYK45BKnsa4kHvXaK8ZY6u3apRloL2400Q2a3OxrBomeIWWyajwhAUHOU7ejJbcZiAYsVWtkooTix483Q6EdMfWgdijnIYWuCrej4l-iAokIWFY5jnJ3wS2NCJ50/w494-h640/thumbnail-juneteenth-flyer-final-1_orig.png" width="494" /></a></div><br />Join LATA in celebrating Juneteenth on Sunday, June 18 from 11 to 7 p.m at Riverside Park in La Crosse! We will table at this great event and encourage all transit riders to attend and support this celebration and consideration of Black history, culture, issues, and future. If you can help LATA table, please email us at LaCrosseTransitAdvocates@proton.me and if you can volunteer to help Juneteenth organizers with the event, please sign up at <a href="https://bit.ly/LAXJuneteenth23">https://bit.ly/LAXJuneteenth23</a><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">For details, visit <a href="https://www.juneteenthlaxwi.weebly.com">www.juneteenthlaxwi.weebly.com</a></span></p><p></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://nationalequityatlas.org/indicators/Car_access?geo=02000000000055000" target="_blank">This report on car access from the National Equity Atlas</a> looks at the roots of transportation inequity and solutions, including good public transit.<br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://nationalequityatlas.org/indicators/Car_access?geo=02000000000055000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="997" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMrwTFb2K-h5-4zqGPD30chy8HtiRmlnqot7CgTcsSwt9oWACfOeYBV-lsG5rjZUjTzXolp9VCnyBJYE00YUVNOy0hzvwtJLj3_LNS_RT9lRHw1YAxQjcvmvejv678cLBkz86mpLRFu9ZOIaEp-T6ejVcw9hhvdse6GSLsz2s-6kdiuYQyWqhraw0/w400-h280/whoownswicar.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><br />cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09727177028975502543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604701274015740085.post-19313832389308298352023-05-23T11:00:00.000-07:002023-05-23T11:00:02.893-07:00Request a stop!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.cityoflacrosse.org/your-government/departments/municipal-transit-mtu/bus-stop-location-request" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1297" data-original-width="978" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqkECyhFWU2AZ8V4drYfgAloFnXPPfbfEFgkYjiEhru4yr4QeoXupXr9skVeLH1dlNPp2Smj-5G_oIPUfhOwUQzPVNmDaFkFnQQR5-g5VfzznOWaJwt2Om-3K3o13re3uyF9KpoRhTtcjGu-dgiOe1_BMKDrJ0wjXqNAlwlLJ-1hFG77zhf8zCu6uD/s320/Screenshot_20230523-125145.png" width="241" /></a></div><br />The MTU is rolling out an online form that will help them see what important gaps exist in the current system and which new stops might be prioritized going forward.<p></p><p>Is there a spot you can't get to by bus right now? <a href="https://www.cityoflacrosse.org/your-government/departments/municipal-transit-mtu/bus-stop-location-request" target="_blank">Fill out the form</a>. Woud you take the bus to work or church or play but the bus doesn't go there? <a href="https://www.cityoflacrosse.org/your-government/departments/municipal-transit-mtu/bus-stop-location-request" target="_blank">Fill out the form</a>!</p><p>Not only will this help the MTU see where new stops could be sites, it will also help them talk to businesses, employers, and elected leaders about the need for increased local support for public transit! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.cityoflacrosse.org/your-government/departments/municipal-transit-mtu/bus-stop-location-request" target="_blank">FILL OUT THE FORM TO SUGGEST A NEW MTU STOP!</a></b></p>cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09727177028975502543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604701274015740085.post-85264062093518145092023-05-21T05:53:00.001-07:002023-05-21T05:53:50.870-07:00Our trip on the #10<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kL7TIp8QB_qACYfQTG4d0j-RJtOKXhm6C9jxMRDBy-Hd8WjPvFMs7D-Rg38_qbDnGIoruer3AC-PzP-cJqLtkiceRNhxJHQn51cvZIZHDDkrIdO0UZWNiT6G0PfD-iL7UNHCqM4f10v7QP8F44ccHNiE-B5muxnJ2WkCB6_fS-V_sEMT6u7fTjzo/s908/Screenshot_20230521-073511.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="908" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kL7TIp8QB_qACYfQTG4d0j-RJtOKXhm6C9jxMRDBy-Hd8WjPvFMs7D-Rg38_qbDnGIoruer3AC-PzP-cJqLtkiceRNhxJHQn51cvZIZHDDkrIdO0UZWNiT6G0PfD-iL7UNHCqM4f10v7QP8F44ccHNiE-B5muxnJ2WkCB6_fS-V_sEMT6u7fTjzo/s320/Screenshot_20230521-073511.png" width="320" /></a></div>On Saturday morning, May 20, the weather was great and we were the only folks on the bus (though two people had gotten off before we got on). Our interstate trip to La Crescent on Saturday was a fun and educational experience.<p></p><p>The bus, a partnership between the City of La Crescent and the La Crosse MTU, offers hourly day service between the two cities Mondays through Saturdays. If you live in La Crescent and work on a bus route in La Crosse, you should be able to use this bus for your commute.</p><p>After leaving the transit center, the #10 heads straight for the bridge, crossing the pike, past Pettibone Park and the off-road access to the <a href="https://www.cityoflacrescent-mn.gov/wp-content/uploads/Wagon-Wheel-Trail-Map.pdf" target="_blank">Wagon Wheel bike trail</a>.</p><p>We were impressed by the coverage this one route offers, winding through the neighborhoods, through the downtown, past schools and parks, back through downtown, and along the industrial waterfront area before returning directly to the transit center.</p><p>We could have gotten off the first time the bus passed through downtown, but we rode the whole loop so had just about one hour to accomplish our second mission, lunch at <a href="https://sites.google.com/view/kaddys-kafe-la-crescent/home" target="_blank">Kaddy's Kafe</a>, just half a block from the bus stop. </p><p>This restaurant was perfect for us; the 10:42 bus arrived at our stop at 11:12, just as Kaddy's was adding its lunch menu to the extensive breakfast offerings. We finished comfortably, with just a few minutes wait for the 12:12 bus (which was actually about five minutes late).</p><p>We did participate in the stop announcement audit, too, with only two stops announced (that we could (barely) hear) during either of the rides.</p><p>We decided to make this an annual, if not more often, event and hope you can join us next time we go!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrRrHarbZEDbhCYWfXiVeV_UT6ylZRr3TZSJCjY7HseUJlHz576sjvvE_oR000zYYBF3C6hq4oB-t9Zpw2BfdVgSddiTPpKlJMe3REfRP66wkLqZxUHmWtw7B0TjYRf7yauwA5kRGcmDI6sCserrxpF_8HFdRIT2qxtznb22VpV2MfgM-UwAPoS_T/s1030/photostudio_1684673201564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="1030" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrRrHarbZEDbhCYWfXiVeV_UT6ylZRr3TZSJCjY7HseUJlHz576sjvvE_oR000zYYBF3C6hq4oB-t9Zpw2BfdVgSddiTPpKlJMe3REfRP66wkLqZxUHmWtw7B0TjYRf7yauwA5kRGcmDI6sCserrxpF_8HFdRIT2qxtznb22VpV2MfgM-UwAPoS_T/s320/photostudio_1684673201564.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09727177028975502543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604701274015740085.post-91040036530944933342023-05-19T04:24:00.001-07:002023-05-19T04:25:27.862-07:00La Crosse Needs An Overnight Bus Route<p>By Kevin Hundt. <i>Cross-posted from Coulee Progressives.</i></p><div id="docs-internal-guid-be695dae-7fff-9f6e-7228-1768daa953c3" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If we're serious about meeting our climate obligations, we need to reduce car use. <a href="https://www.lacrosseclimateactionplan.org/the-plan" target="_blank">La Crosse’s new Climate Action Plan</a> states that about ⅓ of the city’s greenhouse gas emissions come from vehicle use, and calls for doubling the use of mass transit to 3% of commuters by 2030.</span></span></div><div id="docs-internal-guid-be695dae-7fff-9f6e-7228-1768daa953c3" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></div><div id="docs-internal-guid-be695dae-7fff-9f6e-7228-1768daa953c3" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In order to do that we need to make mass transit as accessible as possible for as many people as possible. But for anyone whose workday starts or ends when buses aren't running (between 10 PM and 5 AM on weekdays or 6 PM and 8 AM on weekends), taking the bus in La Crosse isn't an option. That includes many workers in food service/hospitality, retail, 2nd and 3rd shift manufacturing, etc- in other words, many jobs which are already at the low end of wages. Anyone who works late or early has to either live near enough to their workplace to be able to walk, or drive.</span></span></div><div id="docs-internal-guid-be695dae-7fff-9f6e-7228-1768daa953c3" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />Furthermore, if someone owns a car because they need to have one for one reason, they're going to be more likely to use it for other reasons- why bother learning the bus system or walking ten minutes when the car is right there in the driveway?</span></span></div><div id="docs-internal-guid-be695dae-7fff-9f6e-7228-1768daa953c3" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />We need to take away as many factors that force car ownership as possible, and one straightforward way to do that is to provide a mass transit option for every trip. Overnight service for the MTU fills a services gap for people who need it the most.</span></span></div><div id="docs-internal-guid-be695dae-7fff-9f6e-7228-1768daa953c3" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />In addition, reducing night driving reduces the most dangerous driving- even though only about 25% of vehicle miles are at night,* half of traffic fatalities are at night.**</span></span></div><div id="docs-internal-guid-be695dae-7fff-9f6e-7228-1768daa953c3" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />It's not necessary to provide the full route menu as in daytime hours. Buses running north-south routes on an hourly basis would be at least something, if they target the business areas where workers are most likely to need to reach (such as downtown, the Highway 16 retail area, and several warehouse and factory areas) and go through the bulk of residential areas. One possible loop map is presented below.</span></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjg-r4WwEhfOEKCvSecDS_GlMgVQgDS5onACMMUX0q86fOgEq5ZvrPRCwm49hK0ZwFGyEV9gS7bK1jbAPz_kdTv7JHmoIaeH_VQ-Np_nxn1aeUgy-TOJ-jp_zfp5st1xkviwookfiJond7AQA8xUvs4HPd2GYwlds1gCot7zqaI5YnlTiuvM4/s880/ac33a024-838f-4dfe-a83b-6b0966730b4e.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="406" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjg-r4WwEhfOEKCvSecDS_GlMgVQgDS5onACMMUX0q86fOgEq5ZvrPRCwm49hK0ZwFGyEV9gS7bK1jbAPz_kdTv7JHmoIaeH_VQ-Np_nxn1aeUgy-TOJ-jp_zfp5st1xkviwookfiJond7AQA8xUvs4HPd2GYwlds1gCot7zqaI5YnlTiuvM4/w296-h640/ac33a024-838f-4dfe-a83b-6b0966730b4e.png" width="296" /></a></div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">* </span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">National Household Travel Survey https://nhts.ornl.gov/</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">** </span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Overview of Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes in 2021 https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813435 page 17</span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p>cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09727177028975502543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604701274015740085.post-30957479946154220212023-05-11T05:49:00.000-07:002023-05-11T05:49:02.379-07:00May Updates<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #262a33; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://forwardlacrosse.org/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="978" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTESbksWavjxhPujtiiVaY6WnBFH-8EWoQ_7T2iw_a7tHGXsP3-AkAdKun8zs0qxgJqr0LrqI0d043IVFG7BL_paw699-yNgSCOpC-KYaiJY1WOd92RA1jwvMWy3rWQVmEY6Ol-czsQaL7SBMzAJb84O2rPY7ZcE3tJJTqJeBZa9yb0MV8Cc4pDvS/w200-h200/Screenshot_20230503-192733.png" width="200" /></a></div>Please take some time to <b>review the draft chapters of the updated La Crosse Comprehensive Plan</b>. You can find them here: <a href="https://forwardlacrosse.org/" style="background-color: white; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">https://forwardlacrosse.org/</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #262a33; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> At least be sure to review the Transportation section. It seems like every new plan that comes out includes, “increase transit ridership,” as a goal, yet we have yet to see any funding increases proposed to help do that. Increasing ridership will not happen with half- or one-hour service that ends relatively early on weekends and misses many important public facilities, job centers, and neighborhoods. Our comments are important. Please do this one thing if nothing else. <b>DEADLINE: MAY 15!</b></span><div><b><br style="background-color: white; color: #262a33; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" /></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #262a33; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b>LATA is collecting some data</b> and you can help. Did you know stop announcements (either recorded or by the driver) are required by the Americans with Disabilities Act? Not every stop must be announced, but it is required for transfer points, major intersections and destinations, and points along a route sufficient to help riders with visual impairments be oriented on the route. We want to know if there are gaps in this important service and you can help. Though the end of this month, when you ride the bus, please pay attention to stop announcments. If you can, note which ones you hear. Fill out the form at </span><a href="https://tinyurl.com/LATAStopTest" style="background-color: white; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">https://tinyurl.com/LATAStopTest</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #262a33; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> for every ride you remember to keep track. We'd also like you to note if a stop is unintelligible, too soft to hear, or too late to do any good. Let's see what happens!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #262a33; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #262a33; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #262a33; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Join us on <b>Saturday, May 20 (NOT 21!) for a little trip on the Apple Express</b>. We'll leave the La Crosse Transit Center at 10:42 and land in La Crescent, Minnesota a bit after 11. We'll have lunch together and then return on our own (last hourly service leaves La Crescent at 3:42). There's no official sign up, but you could email LaCrosseTransitAdvocates@proton.me if you have a suggestion for lunch location.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #262a33; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #262a33; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #262a33; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">For the past several weeks, Susan Gaeddert of 1000 Friends of Wisconsin has led a <b>Community Transportation Academy</b> at UWL, with a look at many aspects of transportation and advocacy. There will be a program about the academy, including a few local participants, next Wednesday, May 17 at noon. Learn more and register for the link here: </span><a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYsfu6urTgsHtX3BMmz2PnXO87HT1yW2DRl#/registration" style="background-color: white; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYsfu6urTgsHtX3BMmz2PnXO87HT1yW2DRl#/registration</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #262a33; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #262a33; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" /><div><br /></div><div>We will <b>table at Juneteenth</b> this year! The Juneteenth event is on Sunday, June 18 at Riverside Park. If you could be at our table for an hour or two, please email or call 608-315-2693. The event begins at noon and ends at 7 p.m. You're going anyway! So, please consider spending some time at the LATA table talking about the importance of public transportation. Please let us know when you are available.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnp89IQ40EPlT0-9FmFPsr4Pq6VYuABU3ACURJ7UAwnLi6di-bvVz0NkLzUMOw3WNoD66uxUqKZ068yP21fxs5AfnPyvfwQtVo8GC7-zlTY-EviK-wwuh4JX7Hm4NFUbh7VbIUULGEuyHIgxvmRop5WYKSp0e_kCtv8f1q_bvSsKlsiO_osRuRmztl/s866/Screenshot_20230511-074520.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="221" data-original-width="866" height="82" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnp89IQ40EPlT0-9FmFPsr4Pq6VYuABU3ACURJ7UAwnLi6di-bvVz0NkLzUMOw3WNoD66uxUqKZ068yP21fxs5AfnPyvfwQtVo8GC7-zlTY-EviK-wwuh4JX7Hm4NFUbh7VbIUULGEuyHIgxvmRop5WYKSp0e_kCtv8f1q_bvSsKlsiO_osRuRmztl/s320/Screenshot_20230511-074520.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div></div>cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09727177028975502543noreply@blogger.com0