The new bus rapid transit system officially launched Sunday after years in the making. (Spectrum News 1/Abbey Taylor)

TRANSPORTATION

Madison's new bus rapid transit system launched Sunday

By Abbey Taylor Wisconsin

PUBLISHED 8:13 PM ET Sep. 22, 2024

MADISON — 14-year-old Zenon Neta is a big fan of the Madison Metro Transit System. He rides the bus to volunteer at the Madison Children’s Museum and helps his grandmother get around town.

“She rides it to the hospital and to the blood bank, so I always help her and show her how to ride the bus,” Neta said.

What You Need To Know

• Routes A, B and F will board at new stations that have been built across town
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• The new system features bigger, electric buses with multiple entrances for riders to board
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• The city added 31 covered boarding stations with built-in heaters along the line 

Both said they are thrilled to take Route A through the new bus rapid transit system that launched Sunday.

“We’re riding it from head to toe, checking it out,” Neta said. “It’s been in the works for so many years. It’s exciting it’s finally here.”

The new system features bigger, electric buses with multiple entrances for riders to board and will trigger green lights to stay on schedule and reduce travel time. 

“I feel like it represents the city going green because the new buses are 100% zero admissions electric vehicles and it’s very nice,” Neta said.

Mick Rusch, the Chief Development Officer for Madison Metro Transit, said the city added 31 covered boarding stations with built-in heaters along the line with bike access and pedestrian crossings. 

“We have a new way to pay your fair,” Rusch said. “We have smart cards. We have an online way to load money into your account. It’s a much easier way to ride the bus nowadays.”

For Neta and his grandmother, Judy Gunkel, it’s more than just getting around. It’s about the time they spend together as well. 

“It’s wonderful,” Gunkel said. “I got to spend time with my grandson and he’s teaching me about the new bus.”

For more information on the new bus rapid transit system, click here.