The City of Manitowoc is bringing a transportation service in-house.
After the private group Assist-to-Transport recently announced it would discontinue paratransit services, the Clipper City will take over the service beginning January 1st.
Earlier this year, Manitowoc officials were notified of concerns raised by users of the service and informed that the existing contract would expire at the end of this year.
Mayor Justin Nickels says the city has discussed bringing paratransit in-house through multiple committee meetings, most recently on October 5th before the Personnel Committee.
It will be further discussed at tomorrow’s Public Works Committee meeting, where plans to establish a city-operated paratransit system could get committee approval.
As discussions continue, Nickels says the city anticipates adding a combination of full-time and part-time positions needed to operate the service in 2027.
The mayor adds that while there might be concerns, “I want to assure the community that the city has been planning for this transition for several months.”
Maritime Metro Transit Division Manager Kevin Bottesi says that by bringing paratransit services, the goal is to “provide better service, responsibly manage public resources, and ensure Manitowoc has the tools and accountability necessary to meet the transportation needs of Manitowoc residents.”
Additional details regarding service operations, employment opportunities, rider information, and implementation timelines will be released as plans are fully finalized.
