First Transportation Services open forum creates dialogue, more sessions set

UW Transportation Services continues its series of open forums in May to gather feedback about program changes now being evaluated.

The first session, held at the Memorial Union on April 20, was well received by attendees and was beneficial for Transportation Services.

“We were thrilled with the questions and comments we received,” says marketing specialist Molly Coughlin. “Not only did people take time out of their day to attend, but they also clearly invested time in understanding the issues facing our department.”

Visitors spent about an hour reviewing posters describing the history of UW Transportation Services and future challenges while conversing one-on-one with the department’s staff.  The second half of the forum was devoted to a presentation and question-and-answer session led by director Patrick Kass.

One topic of particular interest was a potential change in the employee bus pass program.  Attendees inquired about the price points being considered for the pass, expected impacts of charging, and where the money generated would go.  

Other guests explored different topic areas, such as the history of state budget transfers, how UW Transportation Services came to finance construction for new parking, and more.  Notes from the question and answer portion of the forum, as well as Kass’ presentation, are available on UW Transportation Services’ Open Forum webpage.

The campus community is encouraged to attend one of the remaining three forums to continue the dialogue about potential changes. They will be held on:

• Wednesday, May 5, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Ebling Symposium Center at the Microbial Sciences Building, 1550 Linden Dr.;
• Thursday, May 6, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room in University Square, 333 E. Campus Mall; and,
• Tuesday, May 25, 9 – 11 a.m. in Room 1335 of the Health Sciences Learning Center, 750 Highland Ave.

Those unable to attend the forums are encouraged to visit http://www.wisc.edu/trans and click on “2010 Open House Forums” to find a complete summary of topics to be discussed during the forums as well as online feedback forms for submitting thoughts, opinions, and suggestions.