Bus Rapid Transit Launches on Sunday, September 22
Metro Transit is getting ready to launch its first ever bus rapid transit route on Sunday, September 22.
Metro’s Rapid Route A will offer 15-minute service Monday through Friday until 8:00 pm and until 7:00 pm on Saturdays. Thirty-minute service will be available on Sundays and holidays.
Rapid Route A runs east/west from the Sun Prairie Park and Ride to Junction Rd. and will board at new stations starting at East Springs Dr. on the east side all the way to the west end of the route.
Routes B and F
Metro Routes B and F will also board at these stations when running along the Route A corridor.
Fast Fares
Riders are encouraged to pick up a Fast Fare card prior to Sunday. Cards can be picked up at a number of community events as well as at Metro’s main office (1245 E. Washington Ave.)
To keep buses moving rapidly through their schedules, cash and old fare media such as 31-day passes and 10-ride cards will not be accepted when boarding at BRT stations.
For customers paying with cash, automatic ticket machines are available at most stations. Customers using cash can also add value to their Fast Fare cards at these machines.
Opening Day
On Sundays, Rapid Route A and Route B only operate every 30 minutes and Route F does not extend east of Sheboygan Ave.
With the launch of service happening on a Sunday, there could be some challenges with Metro's 30-minute schedules.
Extra buses will be in service, though they might not appear in real-time bus location data.
There will also be some minor construction items that are not quite finished when service rolls out on Sunday such as the installation of railings and real-time signage at certain stations as well curb ramps in a few locations on Mineral Point Rd.
Metro supervisory and planning staff will be monitoring service throughout the day to ensure as smooth as operation as possible.
Everyone’s patience is appreciated as drivers and riders get used to operating and riding this new system.
Look for City of Madison staff out at BRT stations on both Sunday and Monday to answer questions and hand out Fast Fare cards.
For more information, contact Metro’s customer service center at (608) 266-4466 or mymetrobus@cityofmadison.com.
Complete information is also available at mymetrobus.com/BRT.