" Milwaukee lags conspicuously behind all other US metropolitan areas in implementing a modern public transit system. The city's inclusion at the bottom of several economic, population, employment and development growth lists is probably not coincidental. An accurate representation of how a modern transit system impacts the economy and culture of metropolitan areas needs to be accomplished. This film will serve this mission by introducing compelling characters providing unique historical, professional and personal perspectives on the subject."
MISSION
Objectives: Investigation , Information, Communication.
Confused or just plain annoyed by the constant barrage of proposed plans, studies and condemnations of rail and bus plans for Southeast Wisconsin? How about the long-standing inability of politicians to arrive at a plan that they can all live with? While ongoing media coverage is vital to the dissemination of information concerning events, proposals and other developments, this feature-length, documentary movie will provide a comprehensive and entertaining alternative to the conventional media coverage of the local public transit saga.
Public misinformation and the lack of political will are at the heart of the transit situation and a comprehensive dissemination of the facts is needed. Our goal is to inform public leaders, elected officials and the community at large about the politics and policies behind public transportation decision-making. The ongoing efforts to study, promote and develop a modern public transportation system, comprised of a variety of interconnected bus and rail services will be investigated. An overview of transit history and how this impacts on future plans will also be offered. Other metropolitan areas, including Denver and Minneapolis , that have implemented such systems, will be explored.
Issues: Economic Impact, Employment, Funding, Race relations, Politics. . .
Investments in infrastructure that provide for a well connected community are vital to a strong local economy and quality of life. In addition to development, connectivity is also key to moving the workforce from home to workplace. Just as controversial as the system itself, funding sources also need to be identified and determined. Civic leaders must also consider the long-term impact of public transit on the realities of resident communities. This is truly Big Picture stuff that negates short-term consideration only.
Timely issues include:
• The financial and service crisis of the existing Milwaukee County Transit System.
• The proposed and approved but yet unfunded commuter rail service between Chicago and Kenosha , Racine & Milwaukee .
• Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett's proposal for a modern transportation system that integrates urban, and bus rapid transit with streetcar and commuter/regional rail.
• Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker's bus-only proposal.
• The implementation of modern transit systems by other metro areas.
• Federal funding application deadlines requiring local funding.
• Funding imperatives contrary to the no-new-taxes resolve of citizens and politicians.
Production: Real people tell their stories.
The story of public transportation in Southeastern Wisconsin is told using a combination of insightful commentaries, case studies and statistics. This feature will tell the story of the Milwaukee metro area's complex struggle to expand beyond urban and commuter bus systems to modern commuter rail, urban rail, bus and personal transport alternatives. People from all walks of life will present a point/counter-point forum, providing viewers with subjective opinions on transit issues such as function, finance, use and community impact. In addition, public figures, officials and transit experts will provide more informed analysis and opinions. For a complete listing of all project participants to date, please see the CREDITS section on this website.
A professional crew using the latest in High Definition video production and post-production equipment will cover ongoing local developments. They will also travel to at least half a dozen equivalent metro areas to speak with officials and commuters about their systems; how they decided on it, how they paid for it and how successful it has been. Theatrical and broadcast television presentation will make this documentary readily available to the public at frequent intervals.
