A thriving community does not clock out at 6:45 p.m. But in the heart of Winnebago County, our public transit system does exactly that.

Every day, hard-working residents are stranded by a transportation network that fails to meet basic community needs. Whether getting to work, attending classes, managing medical appointments, or simply buying groceries, public transit should be a reliable lifeline and not a daily hurdle.

Right now, the system actively works against the people who need it most:

• The 6:45 p.m. Curfew: If you work a second or third shift, GO Transit abandons you. You are left to find your own way home after hours.
• The "Convenience" Penalty: GO Connect to Neenah forces riders to book a day in advance and pay more than double the standard fare which punishes those who need flexible, affordable rides.
• Exclusionary Programs: Go Transit’s Access to Jobs program is well-intentioned, but it excludes residents based on income thresholds and work hours, while restricting rides strictly to and from the workplace.
• Transit Deserts: If you live in one of the county's many surrounding towns or villages, you are completely cut off from public transit options. The Town of Oshkosh is the only municipality serviced by Go Transit's Red Zone, while there are residents of the City of Oshkosh that are not serviced at all.

These are not just inconveniences. They are devastating barriers for seniors, people with disabilities, students, low-income households, and anyone who does not drive.

We do not have to guess what a functional system looks like. Right next door, Valley Transit’s Connector service provides late night and early morning transportation through flexible, cab-based connections. It proves that complimenting fixed route bus service works when communities coordinate. But those benefits screech to a halt at the Neenah border, leaving Oshkosh and the rest of Winnebago County in the dark.

Winnebago County is growing. Employers in the Fox Valley are desperate for workers and residents are eager to fill those jobs. We cannot claim to be a forward thinking, economically competitive region while relying on a transit system that's stuck in the past. Transportation should not stop at city borders, nor should it shut down before most people finish their day.

We demand that local leaders, transit agencies, and regional planners collaborate to build a transit system that fits the actual needs of our community. This must include:

1. Extended Evening Hours: Ensure second and third-shift workers are never left stranded.
2. Geographic Expansion: Bring reliable service to underserved neighborhoods and surrounding cities, towns, and villages.
3. Increased Frequency: Run buses more often to make transit a practical, efficient choice rather than a waiting game.
4. Seamless Regional Integration: Connect neighboring transit systems so crossing a city limit doesn't mean losing a ride.
5. Aggressive Pursuit of Funding: Actively secure state and federal grants to make these essential upgrades a reality.

We are not asking for a luxury. We are demanding a transportation system that actually works for the people who fund it and rely on it every day.

If you believe no one in Winnebago County should lose a job, miss a doctor's appointment, or be cut off from the wider community simply because they do not own a car, add your name.

The louder our collective voice, the harder it becomes for local leadership to ignore this predicament. Sign the petition and help us push for a future where everyone in Winnebago County can get where they need to go safely, affordably, and reliably.