Dunn County Transit Surges to 126,000 Riders in Record Year

BREAKING: Dunn County Transit in Eau Claire, Wisconsin has achieved a remarkable milestone, surging to 126,000 annual riders in 2023, marking the highest ridership in its history. This significant growth comes after years of strategic planning and community engagement, which have transformed the transit system from struggling routes to a vital service for residents.

Transit officials confirm that this turnaround was not instantaneous. “You make a change; you just can’t expect that change to show right away. Results take time,” said Austin Witt, Director of Dunn County Facilities, Parks & Transit. The system faced drastic challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, with ridership dropping to alarmingly low numbers. At times, the community route saw as few as zero to three riders during an entire eight-hour shift.

In response to plummeting numbers, Dunn County Transit eliminated bus fares in a bid to attract more riders. However, the overly complicated community route remained a significant barrier. “It was very hard to understand even for our riders and drivers,” Witt explained. Commuters could spend up to an hour and a half on the bus just to reach their destinations.

Recognizing the need for change, Dunn County Transit actively sought community feedback, leading to critical adjustments. The transit system streamlined the route to ensure travel times were reduced to one hour and reintroduced free public access, which significantly boosted ridership and visibility. “Those are kind of the building blocks to where it is today,” Witt noted.

In 2023, Dunn County Transit returned to fare collection, yet the positive momentum continued, with ridership numbers nearly matching the record set earlier that year. This consistent demand reflects the growing trust and reliance of the Menominee community on the transit service. “It shows the city of Menominee that its residents have faith in us to continue doing what we do in providing this service for the community,” Witt affirmed.

The success of Dunn County Transit is a testament to the power of strategic planning and community engagement, proving that even the most challenging systems can evolve into essential services. With ridership continuing to thrive, officials remain optimistic about the future of public transportation in Dunn County.

As developments unfold, all eyes will be on Dunn County Transit to observe how this success story continues to shape public transportation in the region.