Under an implementation plan proposed by graduate students in the La Follette School of Public Affairs, Hudson, New Richmond, and River Falls could implement a shared-ride taxi system by 2027.
This plan builds on a study from a 2024 La Follette capstone project and draws on a successful shared-ride taxi model from Onalaska. These systems are government-subsidized services that bridge gaps in available transportation options and provide transportation to specific populations, especially those who are less likely to drive.
“We definitely want to build upon what is working and hopefully that will benefit all of our communities and the residents that need to use the service,” said Amy White, community services director and city clerk with the City of River Falls.
Addressing these transportation needs was one of several projects that the City of River Falls addressed during a partnership with UniverCity Alliance.
UniverCity Alliance Managing Director Megan McBride expressed gratitude for the ongoing relationship with the City of River Falls and partnership with La Follette.
“Providing River Falls with these two in-depth projects that build on each other and move forward their transportation goals meets UniverCity Alliance’s mission of making sure the university is responsive to the needs of local government,” McBride said. “UniverCity Alliance appreciates the commitment of both groups of La Follette students who provided high-quality research to our community partner.”
White said the partnership allowed the city to take what was an idea in conversation into an action plan. Now, leaders from the three cities have the report and are committed to discussing implementation, according to White.
“We would not be at this stage without this project,” White said.
The shared-ride taxi systems currently operating in Hudson, New Richmond, and River Falls allow residents to travel within their own city and a five-mile radius around it. But many areas remain inaccessible to residents without the use of a car.
In the 2024 La Follette report, the City of River Falls asked the students to analyze the effects of regionalization, including grant funding, costs, and accessibility, as well as the overall feasibility of a shared-ride taxi regionalization project. This year’s project delivers a plan that the City of River Falls can follow to launch the new transportation system.
Both projects were conducted in partnership with UniverCity Alliance and as part of La Follette’s capstone course required to earn a master’s degree with the school. However, La Follette Professor Manuel Teodoro, who teaches the course and advised both of the River Falls teams, notes that the work produced in the course often has an impact far beyond the classroom.
“These projects are so much more than academic exercises. They can, and often do, have real-world implications,” Teodoro said. “These two projects alone could ultimately benefit three Wisconsin communities and thousands of Wisconsin residents. This is the Wisconsin Idea in action and it’s why I love working with capstone teams.”
The students interviewed key stakeholders, analyzed administrative data, ridership data, and contracts; and considered lessons learned from Onalaska’s regional shared-ride taxi system. The report includes recommendations for administration, governance, finance, and evaluation. Additionally, the students included an implementation timeline for the system to be operational by January 2027, a vehicle and fleet management plan, and a marketing overview.
They concluded that successful implementation “hinges on establishing clear leadership, coordinating governance, and ensuring responsive service planning,” according to the report.
“If a municipality was tasked with this type of work, it would be challenging with staff resources,” White said. “The fact that there is a resource to get this type of product is invaluable. Can’t put a price on that.”
–Abigail Becker