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Transit manager outlines fixed-route options for Rhinelander and funding approaches for buses
Summary
Oneida Vilas Transit Commission staff presented two costed fixed-route options for Rhinelander (weekday service 7 A.M.–10 P.M. vs. continuous seven‑day service) and discussed local-share strategies for bus procurement while awaiting WisDOT guidance on leasing reimbursement.
The Oneida Vilas Transit Commission discussed potential fixed-route service in the City of Rhinelander and explored local funding strategies for vehicle procurement at its May 18 meeting.
Transit Manager Barb Newman told commissioners that the City of Rhinelander’s ad hoc committee requested cost estimates for two service models: a five-day-a-week schedule roughly from 7:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M., and a seven-day model described in the minutes as continuous coverage (noting the draft described it as seven days, 24/7). Newman presented a working draft that shows the primary cost drivers would be wages and benefits.
On capital funding, Newman described conversations with peer agencies about how they secure local shares for buses — options include municipal loans and charging partners a share based on annual depreciation. Newman said she had contacted her Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) contact to confirm whether leasing a bus would be an allowable reimbursable expense under relevant DOT programs, but that the contact was out of the office and had not yet replied. Commissioners offered suggestions for other local funding resources for staff to pursue.
Staff also reported that, through April, fare revenue was slightly higher than March (MTM payments posted twice in April), Oneida and Vilas ADRC contracts have been received, and parts and fuel costs were up; overall the commission remained within its budget. Newman said further discussions with the Rhinelander ad hoc committee and with WisDOT are expected before any formal service decision or procurement action.
