The bus system is one of the most visible aspects of city infrastructure, and it’s one of the most rapidly changing aspects of life in Madison. On today’s show, WORT News Director Chali Pittman talks with two representatives of Madison Metro Transit as we near the 1 year anniversary of the system redesign.

Mick Rusch and Jessy Stammer reflect on some of the hiccups with the network redesign, including the removal of the transfer point system. And they celebrate the advancements that will give us the Bus Rapid Transit system starting in the fall. Once the bus charging stations are ready (sometime in July) Madison Metro Transit will announce an official launch date for the BRT.

Rusch and Stammer preview some of the changes that will come with the BRT. Riders can expect new automatic ticket machines and 62 new all electric articulated buses. Some of these buses are being tested on the roads, and drivers say they’re easier to drive because they take turns better. The new buses will be able to carry 120 persons (including standing room) compared to the current 80 passenger capacity per bus. 

Rush and Stammer also dive into the nitty gritty of gaps in Northside service, where you can store your bike on the new articulated buses (in the back of the bus!), better signage for upcoming rides, and the new GPS tracking platform. Overall, they say ridership is up, and in April Metro Transit served 954,000 riders!

Mick Rusch is the Chief Development Officer at Madison Metro Transit, and Jessy Stammer is Metro Transit’s Marketing and Customer Service Manager. 

Find out more about the BRT upgrades at mymetrobus.com and send your questions and comments to [email protected] 

Photo courtesy of Chali Pittman/WORT.

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