MANITOWOC, WI — The City of Manitowoc is moving to run its own paratransit system beginning Jan. 1, 2027, after the current contract with private provider Assist‑to‑Transport ends at the close of 2026. City leaders say the transition will give residents who rely on the service a more dependable and financially responsible option.

Planning and Oversight

City officials have been reviewing the future of paratransit for months, well before Assist‑to‑Transport announced it would cease operations in the area. In October, the Personnel Committee examined the positions, pay scales and operational framework needed for a city‑run program. The plan will be debated at the Public Works Committee meeting Thursday, where committee members are expected to approve the proposal.

Budget Considerations

Funding for the new service was discussed during the Finance Committee’s budget meeting on Monday and will be revisited in Thursday’s budget deliberations. City staff anticipate hiring a mix of full‑time and part‑time employees to staff the program when it launches.

Mayor and Transit Officials’ Statements

“We understand that the recent announcement may have caused concern for residents who depend on this service and for their families,” Mayor Justin Nickels said. “I want to assure the community that the City has been planning for this transition for several months. The plan is to have an in‑house service ready to begin Jan. 1, 2027, so that eligible residents continue to have access to safe and dependable transportation.”

Kevin Bottesi, Transit Division Manager for Maritime Metro Transit, added, “This transition represents an opportunity to improve the delivery of an essential community service while exercising greater financial responsibility and maintaining a higher level of oversight. The goal is straightforward: provide better service, responsibly manage public resources, and ensure the City has the tools and accountability necessary to meet the transportation needs of Manitowoc residents.”

Next Steps

The City says it will issue a public announcement once the transition plan is finalized through the committee and budget process. Additional details about service operations, employment opportunities, rider information and implementation timelines will be released as the plan moves forward.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.