Kyle Handel criticizes Milwaukee farebox failures and advocates for fair enforcement

Milwaukee County's Committee on Transportation and Transit convened on September 3, 2025, to address pressing issues affecting public transit and fare collection. The meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding the current farebox system and the need for improved revenue strategies without penalizing honest fare payers.

Kyle Handel from HEU Local 998 expressed gratitude to the committee for their support in advancing a resolution that has been long overdue. He emphasized the importance of the recent acquisition of buses for Labor Fest, which facilitated transportation for many attendees. However, he raised critical issues about the new farebox system, labeling it a failure due to its lack of fare validation capabilities. Handel pointed out that the current system allows for fare evasion, with reports of passengers splitting bills between buses to avoid full payment. He argued that increasing fares for honest riders would be unjust and counterproductive, suggesting that efforts should focus on reducing fare evasion instead.

Supervisor Rowan echoed these sentiments, urging the committee to expedite requests for proposals (RFPs) related to system redesign and community outreach. He stressed the urgency of addressing these matters before the upcoming 2027 budget discussions, warning that delays could hinder effective planning and implementation.

The meeting underscored a collective commitment to improving Milwaukee County's transit system while ensuring that the burden of fare increases does not fall on those who comply with payment. As the committee prepares for future discussions, the focus remains on creating a fair and efficient public transportation system that serves all residents effectively.