Many discussions about American Cities With Good Public Transportation often spotlight metropolises like New York City, Chicago, or Boston. However, inspiration can sometimes be found in the most unexpected places. The story of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, a town that successfully built a homegrown transit system, offers valuable insights into what makes public transportation thrive, even on a smaller scale.
In the 1970s, when Stevens Point’s initial bus system faltered, community members took matters into their own hands. Roland Thurmaier, a local resident, spearheaded an initiative to create a cooperative transit system. With a modest starting capital of $900 – roughly $5,200 in today’s money – and the commitment of local volunteers, they established a bus service that prioritized essential routes connecting residents to key shopping areas. This pragmatic approach contrasted sharply with the city’s previous attempt to maintain an extensive, unsustainable network.
Thurmaier’s vision was rooted in a deep understanding of community needs and resourcefulness. As highlighted in a 1972 article in The Pointer, the student newspaper of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, he recognized that a significant portion of the town’s population, particularly students, did not own cars and were, in effect, subsidizing car owners through taxes that funded extensive road infrastructure. This early recognition of the societal costs of car-centric infrastructure was remarkably prescient.
The Stevens Point model was built on incremental growth and community adaptation. Starting with a single bus and volunteer drivers, the cooperative gradually expanded its fleet, established a dedicated office, and diversified revenue streams through advertising. Crucially, they remained responsive to the community’s evolving needs, adjusting routes and services accordingly. This flexible and community-focused approach proved successful, and in 1979, the city formally took over the bus system, which continues to operate effectively today.
The Stevens Point example underscores several key elements that contribute to good public transportation in American cities:
- Community Ownership and Initiative: The Stevens Point system was born out of a community need and driven by local residents. This sense of ownership fostered commitment and ensured the system was tailored to the community’s specific requirements.
- Pragmatic and Incremental Growth: Instead of attempting an overly ambitious system from the outset, Stevens Point focused on establishing core routes and expanding gradually based on demand and available resources. This sustainable approach allowed the system to grow organically and avoid early failures.
- Financial Sustainability: By starting small, utilizing volunteers, and diversifying revenue, the Stevens Point cooperative built a financially viable model. This financial prudence was crucial for long-term success and demonstrated responsible resource management.
- Adaptability and Responsiveness: The system’s ability to adjust routes and services based on community feedback and changing needs ensured its continued relevance and effectiveness over time.
While major American cities with good public transportation often rely on extensive infrastructure and significant public funding, the Stevens Point story provides a different perspective. It highlights that effective public transportation can also emerge from grassroots initiatives, community involvement, and a focus on practical, incremental development.
The challenge for many American cities isn’t just infrastructure investment, but also a cultural shift towards embracing public transportation. As the original article poignantly notes, even in urban environments with relatively functional bus systems, a car-centric culture can prevent widespread adoption of public transit. Overcoming this cultural barrier, alongside implementing the practical lessons from places like Stevens Point, is essential for fostering truly good public transportation in American cities across the nation. The Stevens Point example serves as a reminder that effective and community-serving public transit is achievable with the right approach, even starting small and growing incrementally.
