Set aside my concerns over streetcars and light rail for a moment and there are still significant reasons to support my plan to upgrade and improve the existing bus system through Bus Rapid Transit. Creating a new streetcar system that covers a tiny part of downtown Milwaukee will suck up about half of the $91.5 million. That is money that could otherwise go to support improvements to the bus system.

Furthermore, the new streetcar system would compete with the existing bus transit system for state and federal funding. All at a time when we are struggling to keep the current buses going.

Half of the Mayor’s plan is on a Bus Rapid Transit system that is similar to our plan. We can compromise with the Mayor on the precise routes that the new buses take throughout the county. This is an area where we can put our heads together.

My plan uses $59.5 million of the total $91.5 million on two pilot lines. We can battle over the use of the remaining $32 million on another day. Moving forward on the part we agree on (and not caving in on streetcars and light rail) is a real compromise.

Scott"

Sounds like a plan.