Madison Metro invited alders and journalists to try out the new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) as it prepares to launch the service next month.
The new, highly anticipated BRT service aims to cut down on ride times with more direct routes through high-traffic areas. Bus stations, mostly in the center of the road, have been popping up since last year as riders get ready for the newest addition of Madison Metro’s services. The project comes in at an expected $355 million to build with the first route — Route A — at $194 million with 75% covered by federal funds, Madison Metro said.
The tour traveled 15 miles from the east to west side of Madison making select stops along the way. Riders in the tour boarded at the East Washington Avenue-Baldwin Street stop, right outside Madison Metro’s offices, as one of its new electric buses quietly crept up.
Route A is expected to provide access to 115,000 jobs, five hospitals, 22 grocery stores, 69 childcare centers and K-12 schools, UW-Madison and Madison College.
“The bus got from point A to point B much faster than anyone would have really expected,” said Alder Muralidharan Govindarajan. “You’re able to fit so many more people, which impacts my district. Students will be taking those all the time. I’m excited.”
Metro estimates that nearly 100 riders can fit on the buses — up from 80. While Metro hasn’t tested the number yet, it did a Google search where it found that the exact model can fit 110 people.
(Photo by Omar Waheed)
Bus Rapid Transit is expected to run every 7 ½ minutes. At the end of the route, chargers are placed for buses to juice buses back up. Madison Metro does not have a firm range on how far a bus can go on a full charge. It plans on experimenting with range but assures it can make it end to end without taking up the full battery, according to Madison Metro operations manager Phil Gadke.
Most stops are in the center of roads with features to make waiting for the bus more accessible. Full BRT shelters include heaters, seats, trash cans and screens that will show arrival times. Gentle inclines up to stops allow for easier navigation for riders with mobility impairments along with ramps that bridge the gap needed to get on the bus.
Harsh winter conditions were put into consideration too. Stops will include a system to melt snow and ice.
New ways to ride Metro
Madison Metro also gave plans for ways that riders ride. Riders will now use cards loaded with fares that can be acquired at bus stations. Cards will be scannable at bus entrances. It hopes to add services like Apple Pay and a way to pay with credit cards at a later date. Fares will still cost $2 per ride.
The location software systems will also change for the first time in 15 years.
“They’ve been using this Trapeze locating software which tells them where to go, what turns to make and says where the buses are. In the last two weeks, that’s all changed,” said Tom Lynch, director of transportation for the City of Madison.
Geofencing, the use of GPS technology to create a geographic boundary, along the dedicated lanes helps the buses find their way with more accuracy — and give riders more accurate wait estimates. Routes will also implement new white-lighted systems dedicated for BRT drivers. A horizontal line will mean stop, vertical will mean go and a triangle will mean the same as a yellow light at stoplight.
Madison Metro plans to officially launch the East-West Route A on Sept. 22. The North-South route is expected to be in operation by 2028.
Two upcoming open house events about the launch of BRT are scheduled for early September.
