Waukesha Transit Commission approves county-funded FlexRide contract, discontinues low-ridership commuter trips

Waukesha Transit Commission members on May 8 approved a FlexRide contract administered by the city and agreed to an amendment discontinuing portions of a low-ridership commuter service supported by Waukesha County.

The commission voted to approve a FlexRide contract with Mobilize for 2025 that the transcript says Waukesha County will fund “just under $500,000” toward operating costs. The body also approved an amendment to the county’s commuter service agreement that follows Waukesha County’s decision to discontinue most trips on Route 901 because ridership was extremely low.

The FlexRide contract was described in the meeting packet as nearly identical to the previous year’s agreement and brought to the commission because the city is the contract administrator for county-funded service. Transit staff presented the item and the commission approved the motion to accept the contract (moved by Payne; seconded by Kevin Riley). The roll-call in the record shows Kasten, Kevin Riley, Piper, O’Donnell and Dane voting “aye.”

Transit staff told commissioners Route 901 had six trips still operating and was averaging about 12 rides total — roughly two rides per trip — with one trip carrying six passengers. Brian Bridal, transit presenter, said the route was “very inefficient” and that most riders boarded at Gehrke’s Corners. Bridal said alternatives remain: routes 904 and 905 will continue, and riders can use Route 1 to reach Gehrke’s Corners and transfer to those routes.

“It's really duplicate service and with Waukesha County's financial situation, they really can't afford duplicate service in this area,” Bridal said.

Alderman Piper asked whether the commission could revisit the change if area conditions shift, citing the possible closure of UW–Waukesha and the YMCA relocating toward WCTC. Bridal said the study used current data and that future changes — including institutional moves — could prompt a fresh review.

Transit staff said the contractor had already posted notices in March and that county supervisors wanted early notice for affected riders so they could make alternate arrangements. The amendment to the commuter-service contract was approved by the commission; the roll-call recorded Cassens, Kevin Riley, Piper, O’Donnell and Dane voting “aye.”

Votes at a glance

- Election of officers: Motion to keep the same roster (chair and co-chair unchanged). Roll-call recorded Kevin Reilly, Dane and O’Donnell voting “aye.” Motion passed. - Minutes (March 6 meeting): Approved; roll-call recorded Cassens and Kevin Riley voting “aye.” Motion carried. - Item 6A — FlexRide contract with Mobilize (Waukesha County funding, ~"just under $500,000"): Motion moved by Payne; seconded by Kevin Riley; recorded ayes included Kasten, Kevin Riley, Piper, O’Donnell and Dane. Outcome: approved. - Item 6B — Amendment to commuter service (adjust Route 901 due to low ridership): Approved. Roll-call recorded Cassens, Kevin Riley, Piper, O’Donnell and Dane voting “aye.” Outcome: approved.

Context and next steps

Transit staff emphasized that routes 904 and 905 will continue to serve the corridor and that the county made the funding decision. Commissioners asked staff to monitor ridership after institutional changes (for example, UW–Waukesha or YMCA moves) and to revisit service decisions if demand changes. Staff also said they had asked the contractor to reach out to local campuses to coordinate options for students.

The commission did not adopt a formal policy change during the vote; the actions recorded are contract approvals and the amendment described above. Staff indicated they would continue to notify riders and study service impacts.