Dear editor,

I would like a reply to the letter that Donna Krause wrote about the transit system (Metro Ride) in Wausau.  

You complained that the mayor isn’t doing anything to get the bus system into Rib Mountain or the Weston area. Wrong. First off, by law, the bus can’t enter any city limits unless that city pays for it. Because of (former Gov. Scott) Walker signing a law, it is also impossible to get a regional system in this area, so that also eliminated that option. The mayor’s office has been trying to get it out to Rib Mountain for at least 16 years, but they don’t want it. They used to have it in Schofield, Rothchild and Weston, with the cost split among them, but Weston decided to get rid of the transit system and the others couldn’t afford to make up the cost. 

As for the drivers, you see them for the ride you’re on, not the whole day. I have seen people complain that they didn’t lower the bus enough when it can’t go down farther, where upon they call the transit center and complain. I’ve seen people complain that the ramp wasn’t put down when they didn’t ask for it, which is all you have to do. I’ve seen people complain because they can’t get off where they want, even though there is no bus stop there. 

As for drivers being rude, there are some drivers who sound rude when it’s just their normal tone of voice. 

As for missing stops, it happens, but please remember to pull the bell early enough for them to have time to stop and not so soon that they travel a long distance before the next stop. (i.e. from First Street and Scott to First Avenue and Callon Street.) Also, remember that the bus drivers are human and not machines. Also, pull the cord and don’t expect the driver to remember where you told him where you wanted to get off. 

I have ridden transit systems in other cities and let me tell you, Wausau has a great transit system. 

I have also seen people who don’t like a certain driver and try to get them fired for what they see as a slight to them. (i.e. I saw a person call in because he thought the driver and I were laughing at them when we weren’t even talking about them.) Remember, if there is a complaint, they have a tape to review. 

I also want to make it clear that I don’t work for the transit center, nor have I made up my mind on whom I am voting for in the mayoral election. 

William Bublitz of Wausau

Editor’s note: Wausau Pilot & Review gladly publishes commentary from readers, residents and candidates for local offices. The views of readers and columnists are independent of this newspaper and do not necessarily reflect the views of Wausau Pilot & Review. To submit, email [email protected] or mail to 500 N. Third St., Suite 208-8, Wausau, Wis. 54403.