Transit director outlines technology rollout, facility challenges and deputy director hire
June 19, 2026 | Wausau, Marathon County, Wisconsin
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
At the June 18 meeting the transit director provided a progress report on a multi'part technology upgrade, a facility feasibility study and personnel changes.
On technology, the director said staff are mapping routes and stops for a CAT AVL (automatic vehicle location) system but will not activate the full AVL until the new buses arrive in the fall/winter (he cited an Oct'Nov'Dec timeframe). He said current fleet vehicles will begin installs next month but the agency plans a single go'live when the new buses are in service. "We won't go live with the technology, the CAT AVL, until the new buses arrive in October, November, December era," he said. The director also said scheduling software will likely go live sooner and is intended to help redesign staffing.
The feasibility study with an architect has produced preliminary plans but identified challenges. The director said stormwater and basement flooding at the current facility have complicated options; the city may not own suitable parcels nearby and the architect is working with the Department of Public Works on possible sites.
The director announced the agency has hired a deputy director who will start on July 6 to help ease staff workload.
Commissioners asked whether the agency should consider a phased or soft launch to work out issues before a full activation; the director said the vendor recommended a full activation after the new buses arrive but he would discuss alternatives with the vendor and staff.
Commissioners also suggested future agenda items including marketing outreach, paratransit overview for new members and an information item on e'bike accommodations; the director said current bike racks do not support e'bike weight and raised a safety concern about storing charged batteries near drivers in collisions.
Next steps: staff will continue mapping, vendor coordination and work with finance/DPW and return with implementation details and scheduling recommendations.
On technology, the director said staff are mapping routes and stops for a CAT AVL (automatic vehicle location) system but will not activate the full AVL until the new buses arrive in the fall/winter (he cited an Oct'Nov'Dec timeframe). He said current fleet vehicles will begin installs next month but the agency plans a single go'live when the new buses are in service. "We won't go live with the technology, the CAT AVL, until the new buses arrive in October, November, December era," he said. The director also said scheduling software will likely go live sooner and is intended to help redesign staffing.
The feasibility study with an architect has produced preliminary plans but identified challenges. The director said stormwater and basement flooding at the current facility have complicated options; the city may not own suitable parcels nearby and the architect is working with the Department of Public Works on possible sites.
The director announced the agency has hired a deputy director who will start on July 6 to help ease staff workload.
Commissioners asked whether the agency should consider a phased or soft launch to work out issues before a full activation; the director said the vendor recommended a full activation after the new buses arrive but he would discuss alternatives with the vendor and staff.
Commissioners also suggested future agenda items including marketing outreach, paratransit overview for new members and an information item on e'bike accommodations; the director said current bike racks do not support e'bike weight and raised a safety concern about storing charged batteries near drivers in collisions.
Next steps: staff will continue mapping, vendor coordination and work with finance/DPW and return with implementation details and scheduling recommendations.
Don't Miss a Word: See the Full Meeting!
Go beyond summaries. Unlock every video, transcript, and key insight with a Founder Membership.
✓
Get instant access to full meeting videos
✓
Search and clip any phrase from complete transcripts
✓
Receive AI-powered summaries & custom alerts
✓
Enjoy lifetime, unrestricted access to government data
30-day money-back guarantee
