Royal Purple

Issue date: 4/23/08 Section: News

Hixson [Click to enlarge]

Community leaders from Whitewater, Edgerton, Janesville and Milton recently met to discuss a possible transit system linking the area cities through a bus route.

The meeting was facilitated by UW-Whitewater professor, Rep. Kim Hixson, D-Whitewater, on April 4.

"It was a very preliminary meeting," Hixson said. "But I was very happy to bring all these cities together for this purpose."

According to Hixson, the cities are joining together because they recognize a need to come together in the interest of providing a more easily accessible travel service for residents and students.

"There are quite a few students who work in Janesville and Janesville residents who work in Whitewater," Hixson said. "This service would open up travel opportunities that may not exist for many people."

The reactions from students seem to be in favor of a possible bus service.

Freshman Chris Gonyo said he would love a bus service.

"It would be easier to go out, visit friends and party if we had something like that," Gonyo said. "I think that's a good idea."

While the reactions from students and city representatives have been positive, Hixson said the biggest issue right now is the cost.

"There are all sorts of costs," Hixson said. "The different cities recognize that and we are working on getting a grant which pays about 80 percent of the cost from study. These things don't just run on fares."

Since the idea is still in its beginning stages, Hixson says they are studying up on the various aspects of having a collaborative transit system, but so far the process is going well.

"I am very pleased with what's going on," Hixson said. "While it is still an idea, we're making great progress."

Hixson is on leave from the university until he finishes his duties as a state legislator.

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