WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Wausau Mayor Doug Diny has confirmed a change in leadership for Wausau’s MetroRide bus service.
Ron Schuenke has been elevated to Interim Director following Arran Hersey’s resignation for personal reasons in late August. “It was [his] decision, a personal decision. He resigned and moved on for the good of his family.”
It’s the latest challenge for MetroRide, which has seen two directors come and go since longtime leader Greg Seubert retired in early 2023. But Diny says he feels the department is making progress, even if it doesn’t appear so on paper. “We have added a route out to Northern Valley [Industries,] for example, and we can make that run very efficiently.”
He says the route is timed with a shift change at Northern Valley and regularly takes about 20 employees to and from work. “It’s been a plus that I really don’t know that we have highlighted enough.”
The city is also getting ten new buses next year, meaning the entire fleet will be made up of 2020 or newer models. “We will have a fresh fleet and a dedicated workforce. [MetroRide] is probably the least of my concerns right now.
“The most important thing is- are we still managing to run the routes? Are we on time? Are the operations being conducted safely and led properly? The answer is yes,” added Diny
Diny would not comment further on the circumstances surrounding Hersey’s resignation. A report from Brian Kowalski in The Wausonian says he was cited for an OWI in the weeks before his resignation.
A national search for the next permanent MetroRide Director will likely be conducted in early 2026.
Other topics Diny discussed with WSAU’s Mike Leischner include:
Start of video- Foundry on 3rd development update
6:35- Budget update
12:00- Transit Director update
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