05-02-2025
La Crosse and Eau Claire celebrate Transit Equity Day
LA CROSSE, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) – Transit Equity Days in La Crosse includes free bus rides for all and informational sessions about the history of public transit. Director of Transit Adam Lorentz says it's important because many people aren't aware of public transit options in the city, 'For some people, it comes down to knowledge. They don't know what our services have to offer. We're trying to get all walks of life to utilize public transportation. It's a city service offered to them. We want to make sure that they understand how to utilize it and understand the importance for people that may have another option for transportation.'
Public transit is important for people like Elizabeth Fryseth. She is legally blind and encourages anyone else who has trouble getting around on their own to utilize city buses in La Crosse, 'The access to public transit is vital. Otherwise, there's barriers in getting around town. It's always around whether it's shopping at a local grocery store, going to work, or going on outings with friends. It's also cost-effective.'
With public transit being available in La Crosse for decades, the city wants to continue providing service to those who need it to travel to any destination at any time. Lorentz explains, 'Everybody has the right to participate in the community and public transportation should not be a hurdle to be able to participate in their community whether it's employment, medical, recreation, or whatever the reason being. We have AM and PM service and we offer 7-day-a-week service. We contract with Onalaska, La Crescent and the town of Campbell. We have a robust service e and we have a lot of people who depend on that service to get to work, food or recreation.'
The city of Eau Claire is recognizing the day of action by elevating the message that public transit should be safe, sustainable, and equitable for all people and communities. The day is celebrated in many ways including free bus rides and a seat on each Eau Claire transit bus will be marked in Rosa Parks' honor, acknowledging her work, and the city's efforts to make public transit accessible and affordable to all. Eau Claire Community Services Operations Manager, Ty Fadness, says, 'This day is important because it does remind us that, historically, things haven't been as good as they are right now. And it's also a good reminder of how we can make things better to meet the needs of everybody in our community.'
The city of Eau Claire's Transit Department plans to begin its 'Micro Transit' on July 1st. Helping northside residents to get transit to downtown. And the new transit center is set to officially open this summer.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
