City of Sheboygan to spend $2.1 million on five new buses
The buses will replace five that have over half-million miles
SHEBOYGAN — Shoreline Metro has secured federal funding for public transit.
The new buses will replace buses from model year 2010 with over a half-million miles on each according to Derek Muench, the city’s Director of Transit & Parking. The buses will be purchased using CMAQ Improvement Program funds. Muench told WKTS News he expects the buses will be put into service sometime in 2027. Shoreline Metro last received federal funds to purchase ten 35-foot buses and six medium buses.
“Connecting the dots between protecting our environment, reducing traffic congestion on our roads, and building safer, more sustainable infrastructure is critical for improving Wisconsinites’ quality of life and building the sort of future we want for our communities and our state,” said Governor Tony Evers. “With this funding, we’re working to build the strong and resilient 21st-century infrastructure that Wisconsinites need and expect.”
The CMAQ Improvement Program is a federal reimbursement program administered by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation that provides an 80 percent federal cost share to assist eligible communities with transportation projects that improve traffic congestion and air quality. Funds can be used for projects that improve traffic flow, upgrade technologies, or enhance roadway mobility. Efforts to upgrade public transit, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and ridesharing programs are also covered.
The City of Sheboygan is one of 16 recipients of the $22 million funding.
The Milwaukee County Transit System is receiving $5.8 million to purchase 20 new buses and will receive an additional $1 million to spend on advertising. According to the state, the advertising will target youth and adults in disadvantaged neighborhoods to encourage them to ride the bus instead of stealing vehicles. The City of Milwaukee will also receive nearly $1.8 million to create a 1.1 mile long protected bike lane on South 16th Street.
Follow WKTS News on Facebook and Instagram for the latest local news.