P.O. Box 1222, Madison, WI 53701 | www.prodane.org | office@prodane.org | (608) 257-4985
Progressive Dane is a long-time supporter of regional transit solutions. While a significant step was taken when the RTA Board was formed, this is not the end of the process; there is still work to be done. Progressive Dane doesn't just support any old RTA, but rather an RTA "that provides affordable, available and accessible multi-modal public transit with subsidies for elderly, disabled, and low-income residents."
In order to achieve these worthy, but ambitious goals, we must let the RTA Board know that citizens support a fully functioning RTA. We should not let caution sabotage the RTA and prevent it from fully serving all residents of the RTA area. We should not let the naysayers, who ultimately oppose any regional transit, to dictate or delay the RTA plan. Instead, we need to mobilize behind an ambitious plan for the benefit of everyone.
The first steps will involve the decisions of the newly-formed RTA Board. As they move forward, please consider testifying or registering in support of an Ambitious RTA Plan or contacting the RTA board. We’ll keep you posted on the meeting schedule and the RTA board contact information as it becomes available.
Our Vision for the RTA:
1. The RTA should include commuter rail because it's fast and efficient. Commuter rail will take people where they want to go - quickly. At minimum, it should go from Middleton to Downtown Madison to Sun Prairie.
2. The RTA should include bicycle and pedestrian paths that connect the commuter rail stations with existing paths. These paths will make the RTA as convenient as possible. Also, walking and biking are environmentally friendly ways to travel.
3. The RTA should be affordable for all, with subsidies to elderly riders and low income riders. This will make the RTA accessible to everyone.
4. The RTA should include reliable bus or transit routes for people outside of the commuter rail area and improved bus service in those areas underserved by Madison Metro (This includes: Verona, Southwest side of Madison, Fitchburg, Waunakee, Westport, Stoughton, Blooming Grove, Cottage Grove, McFarland, Monona, Dunn, North side of Madison).
5. The RTA should take people to employment and entertainment centers. The RTA should take people to and from work regardless of what shift they work and should have weekend services.
What else can you do to help? Send an e-mail to elections@prodane.org for more volunteer opportunities. Or you can follow Progressive Dane on Facebook or Twitter or Google Buzz.
Finally, Progressive Dane is working hard on this issue and citizen support is our most important resource. However, money is a valuable resource as well. We don't like to ask for it, but we believe that good regional transit is key to the future of Dane County. If you support our plan, please make a secure donation to the Progressive Dane Elections Fund. We will use the donation to promote an ambitious RTA plan.
Lukas Diaz, Elections Chair
Posted by prodane at 01:35 PM ">
We, the members of Progressive Dane, join together to form an independent political party in Dane County with a major focus on local issues. We pledge to work to improve the quality of life in Dane County for all people, particularly those marginalized by economic and social discrimination. We will work to improve our local government by making it open, easier to understand, and accessible for all citizens of Dane County. We are working to achieve positive policy change by electing accountable progressive officials and mobilizing citizen action.
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Progressive Dane's "In The News" blog keeps you up to date on the latest news from (and about) PD. Check here for information on PD's policy initiatives and to read about what our endorsed elected officials are up to.
March is renewal month! Take some time tobecome a member, renewal your membership, or become a sustainer. Go on-line to make a committment to Progressive Dane today.
Come to Volunteer Night Tuesday, March 16th, 5:30 p.m. at the Social Justice Center where many hands make light work. Go to Volunteer to find all the ways that you can help move Progressive Dane forward!
The Progressive Dane General Membership meeting will be held Wednesday, March 24th at 6:30 p.m. at the Madison's Downtown Public Library.
