MADISON, Wis. — The Madison Common Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to approve a significant redesign of the Metro Transit system.
The changes will set the groundwork for the city to introduce bus rapid transit (BRT) in 2024. That means more frequent service, but fewer routes.
“People who rely on public transit in Madison will soon benefit from a more efficient and rapid transit system,” Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway said. “The Metro Network Redesign solves decades-old problems with our former network, and expressly and intentionally improves service for low-income communities and communities of color.”
Members of the community raised concerns earlier this year that the move could cut out service for older, disabled, or low income populations.
In June, the council moved forward with a plan that included 17 amendments addressing feedback, concerns, and complaints that the city received from the public. Among the amendments was an additional route running every 75 minutes on Madison’s north side that would directly service the Pick ‘n Save on Aberg Avenue, Wheeler Drive, and Dryden Apartments, a large housing complex serving the elderly and people with disabilities.
Tuesday’s action comes after the completion of a federally required Title VI equity analysis. The analysis found that the redesign improves job access for the average person by at least 90%, and increased access for Hispanic people by 120%. However, the information provided by the city did not include data on how the elderly or people with disabilities would be impacted.
The council also passed a Transportation Demand Management ordinance Monday, which city officials said would lead to safer roads, reduced traffic and fewer emissions.
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