MetroNews - February, 2024
New This Year!
We have a number of new projects starting this year including bus rapid transit, new fare technology, new onboard bus technology, and electric buses.
Updated information will be provided as things progress or change. If you’re not receiving Metro’s MetroNews text alerts and would like to sign up, text (608) 640-0451 or email mymetrobus@cityofmadison.com.
Electric Articulated Buses
New electric articulated buses have started to arrive from the factory. Trainers are starting to get acquainted with the new vehicles, with training for all drivers to start soon.
There a number of new things to get familiar with on these buses including three sets of doors, doors operating differently, different controls, and a new automatic wheelchair securement space.
There will be multiple phases of training that will start off with classroom then behind-the-wheel. This summer there will then be training on how BRT works and how to dock at BRT stations. There will be some additional ADA refresher training as well.
We are working on adjusting some stops on UW campus to accommodate the 60-foot buses, and plan to run a couple of them this summer on Route 80.
New Fare Technology Coming This Summer
To allow for faster boarding at BRT stations, we’re installing an entirely new fare system that is expected to roll out sometime this summer.
New fare readers for tap smartcards will be installed at the front, middle and rear doors of all new articulated buses, and the front and rear doors of our current 40-foot buses.
When BRT begins, passengers will be able to board at the middle and rear doors at BRT platforms. To speed up boarding on local routes, rear door boarding may be implemented on all buses at a later date.
As part of summer training, drivers will learn what to expect and how to handle situations that come up with people boarding using middle and rear doors.
Passengers will be encouraged to pick up smartcards and set up online accounts to use the new system. Passengers will also be able to pick up fare media at sales outlets that will work with our readers.
Metro’s current standing fareboxes will be installed at the front of new electric buses and remain on 40-foot buses.
When boarding at BRT platforms, passengers will be boarding at middle and rear doors and must use the new fare readers. Cash will not be accepted directly on the bus when boarding at a BRT station.
Ticket machines will be available on BRT platforms so that riders can purchase a barcode ticket using cash, coin or credit card before boarding the bus.
Cash can still be used on any bus NOT boarding on a BRT platform.
This summer, marketing staff will be encouraging people to trade in their old fare media to get the same dollar value added to a smartcard. Old fare media will be accepted for a limited time on buses NOT boarding at BRT platforms.
We hope passengers will see how easy and more convenient it is to use this new system, so that we can phase out all old media by 2025.
With the new system, transfers will all be tracked automatically. Paper transfers will still be available for a limited time on buses NOT boarding at BRT platforms. Paper transfers will NOT be accepted when boarding on BRT platforms.
In future months, riders will be able to board using a credit card or with their phones using Apple Pay or Google Wallet.
There won’t be any fare increases as part of this new system.
Review Presentation to Transportation Commission
BRT Expected to Launch as Early as August Pick
Route A
Depending on construction, we’re expecting to launch our first BRT Route A as early as August. Not all stations may be open right away, but we expect to start serving as many of the stations as possible at that time.
Route B
A second BRT route is currently being planned for Route B. Station locations and other details are being put together and will be presented to the public in April.
That being said, our larger BRT electric buses are expected to also operate on Route B starting in August and will serve BRT stations when it operates on the Route A corridor.
Route B is expected to launch as an official BRT route in 2028.
Hanson Rd. Facility
The start of construction at Metro’s new satellite facility was announced at a press conference earlier this month.
This new facility will house our new electric buses and be a complete full-service maintenance area that will have a wash rack, service lane, maintenance lifts, repair bays, and parts storage. There will also be administration offices as well as driver locker area and lounge.
For the past 10 years, Metro has been limited in its ability to respond to additional service requests due to not having any additional space to store buses. This facility finally gives Metro the ability to expand service.
Testing Out at Hanson Rd.
A test BRT platform has been built out at Hanson Rd. to test boarding at BRT stations.
Clever Bus System – Mini Fleet
We’re also about to install a new equipment system on buses which includes new communication features, GPS tracking, annunciators, and MDTs.
A test group of buses is expected to hit the road in April.
Thank you to drivers that signed up to participate in the mini-fleet testing! Training on new equipment for all operators will be ongoing this spring and summer.
March Pick
To help with overcrowding, additional Route 75 trips between the Capitol Square to Epic have been added. Additional trips also operate between Verona and Fish Hatchery and Caddis with a Route B connection to complete travel downtown.
Routes 28 and 38 have also been extended to serve University Row and the UW Digestive Center where a restroom is available.
Onboard surveys (Spring)
This Spring, surveyors may be talking to passengers on your bus. They will have Metro ID badges and lanyards and boarding with City of Madison employee passes.
Service to Monona (December)
New service to Monona is expected to start with December pick. New service operates hourly until 7:00 pm on weekdays only. This will open stops along Monona Dr.
Winter Weather Compliment!
We received the following feedback from a thankful passenger.
With the recent bad weather (lots of snow, extreme cold, then rain and slush and ice), I have been very worried about driving to work, and I’m so grateful to have the bus as an alternative. Thank you to Metro Transit, and especially the drivers, for getting everyone safely around town and taking cars off the road right now!
Other Topics?
If you have questions or topics you’d like to see covered in additional newsletters, call or text (608) 640-0451 or email mymetrobus@cityofmadison.com.