County reviews possible transit changes

STEVENS POINT — Portage County will renew its efforts to improve public transportation this week through a possible partnership with the city of Stevens Point.

The city and county operate separate transit services, and the two might join together to improve the system for all of their users.

The city's bus service operates on a fixed route for people traveling around Stevens Point, Whiting and to the Crossroads Commons shopping center in Plover. The county's transportation system, on the other hand, is a social service provided by the Aging and Disability Resource Center. The county's service assists older individuals and adults with disabilities and includes on-demand rides to medical appointments and a bus service to the grocery store and ADRC activities.

The city and county are in an early phase of discussions about coordinating the resources to get more funding and provide better service to the users, a plan that hit a speed bump in July. When the County Board was scheduled to vote on beginning formal talks on the matter, it postponed the vote seeking clarification about who from the board will represent its interests in the conversations.

This week, a county committee will again review the proposal to send back for approval to the County Board. An updated version of the proposal states that the County Board chairman or someone he designates will represent the county in these talks.

If the two services partner, they would likely operate under one roof like a call center, said ADRC Director Cindy Piotrowski. That move would simplify the process for people who use public transit, and it would help them more quickly get the service that is best for their needs, she said.

A consolidation would allow both agencies to leverage more federal grant dollars, which could fund added services and more staff members.

The committee meets at 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Lincoln Center, 1519 Water St., Stevens Point.