In this report, La Follette students provide an implementation plan to help the Wisconsin cities of Hudson, New Richmond, and River Falls create a regionalized shared-ride taxi system.
Summary
This report presents an implementation plan to regionalize shared-ride taxi (SRT) systems in Hudson, New Richmond, and River Falls by January 2027. Drawing on a successful model from Onalaska, Wisconsin, and serving as a follow-up study to a 2024 La Follette capstone project, this report recommends River Falls assume administrative leadership, supported by a Memorandum of Understanding and a Regional Advisory Board with equal city representation. To reduce operational disparities, this plan also recommends standardized fare structures, synchronized service hours, a unified grant application, and a centralized vehicle fleet strategy. A region-wide marketing campaign and a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework are proposed to promote rider engagement and service accountability. Regionalization is projected to save 900 administrative hours annually and streamline funding access, while improving transportation equity for elderly and disabled riders. This initiative is expected to enhance program sustainability and coordination across the region.
Information
- Course: Workshop in Public Affairs, PA 869, taught by Manny Teodoro, Spring 2025
- Authors: Paddy Kenny, Kanan Mammadov, T.J. Espino McGurran, Ryan Lee Ring, and Dan Levan
- Client: City of River Falls