Southridge Mall to change bus stop policy on November 1st

GREENDALE (WITI) -- Beginning November 1st, a trip to Southridge Mall in Greendale will get more difficult for those who ride the bus.

On November 1st, business will no longer be allowed to stage near the mall's northeast entrance -- and the Route 46 Freeway Flyer will no longer stop on mall property. Other routes will begin to stop there, but won't wait there like they do now.

Don Natzke directs the Milwaukee County Office for Persons with Disabilities. He joins two Milwaukee County Supervisors who are sharply criticizing the mall's decision.

"What they talking about is a bunch of malarkey," said Natzke.

Mall management did not answer any questions on Tuesday, October 22nd. Instead, it released a statement. In part, it says, "The 150 buses that come on the property each day will operate a short distance from the current stop -- improving pedestrian safety and traffic flow for visitors."

Southridge Mall general manager Mary Mokwa adds a yellow-striped walkway will designate the path from the bus stop to the mall entrance -- and that Transit Plus buses for passengers with disabilities will not change their drop-off point.

Natzke says it's unfair to passengers with disabilities who take the regular buses.

"It's really about the independence of people wanting to be in the community, using a bus like other people are using and being able to make use of that. We really shouldn't have that choice essentially denied," said Natzke.

Transit workers, along with advocates for the elderly and passengers with disabilities, have scheduled a rally for Thursday morning near the mall -- to protest the changes.