Opponents protest new Southridge Mall bus stops

Bus riders upset about new bus stops at Southridge Mall

Bus riders upset about new bus stops at Southridge Mall

GREENDALE (WITI) -- On Thursday, October 24th, Susan Smith walked in protest of Southridge Mall's new bus stop policy -- from where the proposed stop will be to where riders usually get off the bus.

"They don't want us here. Obviously they don't want wrinkles and gray hair and crutches and wheelchairs, they just want the pretty people here," said Smith.

Southridge is moving the stops further from entrances which, they believe, will improve traffic flow and safety. In a statement, the mall reassures customers that they will be safe.

"When this plan goes into effect, the 150 buses that come on property each day will simply operate a short distance from the current stop, keeping them from passing directly in from of mall entrances where hundreds of shoppers and employees go in and out each day. This change will improve pedestrian safety and traffic flow for all visitors, whether they get to the mall by bus or car."

Southridge also says the Milwaukee County Transit System Plus Service will continue to pick up and drop off disabled passengers at the northeast entrance.

Opponents of the new bus stop locations say this is an accident waiting to happen stating concerns such as darkness falling earlier and an upcoming busy holiday season.

"It's getting ready to snow, people are going to be in wheelchairs and their scooters. That's a lot of work to do," said one concerned bus rider.

The Milwaukee County Board voted unanimously on Wednesday, October 23rd to explore what types of legal action could be taken against Southridge Mall.

The new bus stop policy goes into effect on Friday, November 1st.