Transit commission advances relocation feasibility study; public urges expanded routes to Rib Mountain, requests restroom at transit center

The Wausau Transit Commission on March 20 updated commissioners on a relocation feasibility study and heard public comment urging expanded service to nearby municipalities and a request for restroom access at the transit center.

Staff said the city issued a request for proposals and one firm, Windell, submitted materials and met qualifications after interviews with the transit director, the deputy director, the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) director and MPO planner. Staff described the study as site and regulatory analysis — not architectural design — to identify candidate locations within the city, assess whether the current site could be upgraded, and determine space needs for a larger maintenance and storage facility.

The transit director told commissioners the feasibility work could inform future vehicle choices, saying electric or hybrid buses are unlikely at the current facility because “we do not have the infrastructure for electric or hybrid at our current location, which is why we're doing the feasibility study.” Staff said emerging propulsion options such as hydrogen fuel cell were being discussed as possible long‑term directions.

Commissioner Kieran asked for an educational briefing on microtransit and alternative service models at the next meeting; staff agreed to provide information on options and how the feasibility study might account for microtransit or paratransit expansion.

During public comment, Elizabeth Scully of 2005 Buick Avenue told the commission she relies on the bus and asked the agency to add routes serving the Walmart area in Rib Mountain now rather than years in the future. The transit director responded that Rib Mountain (the Walmart area) lies outside the City of Wausau’s jurisdiction and that staff have been working with county and municipal partners and the mayor to seek cost‑effective ways to extend service; the director said budget constraints remain a barrier.

Scully also asked whether a restroom could be made available near the transit center; she suggested placing a portable toilet in the adjacent lot to serve riders and visitors. Commissioners agreed to place the restroom item on a future agenda and to involve the Department of Public Works for cost and feasibility information. The transit director said he would contact Eric at DPW and gather cost estimates for discussion at the next meeting.

Next steps: staff expects to move ahead with Windell for the feasibility study and will present a scope and timeline to the commission. Staff will also return with cost and feasibility information on restroom options and will prepare a microtransit briefing for the next meeting.