Redesign Update - March 10, 2023

March 10, 2023

Here's update on where we're at with our service redesign that starts Sunday, June 11.

Schedules

We should have these in April. Planning and the consultant are finishing up the details. When their data is finished, we’ll post schedules online at mymetrobus.com. and create quick printable sheets with schedule information.

Google Trip Planning Data

Google has a limit where trip planning data is only available 54 days in advance. So, that puts us at around April 18 when Google trip planning data will be available.

But, we will have printed/online schedules available before then.

Review Routes/Stops on a Google Map

Though, you can’t trip plan, we do have redesigned routes and bus stop locations available for review on an online Google Map. This map is available to the public on our redesign page.

Connection Opportunities

We've received a number of requests for maps showing connection opportunities on the new routes. We'll put a map together for the public. But, we have a general early version of this map available at the link below.

Please be aware that these are not pulsed transfer locations. They are just areas where routes intersect. Passenger will need to get off the bus and wait for the next one to come through.

Metro Website

We recommend people plan their trip on our website at mymetrobus.com. The trip planner uses Google Maps data and switches directly over to a Google Map solution.

Mymetrobus.com is designed to appear correctly on a phone, tablet or computer correctly like an app. And it has all of our detour and other service information as well.

Starting April 18, when the data is available, we will have a separate “Plan your June trip” icon available throughout the site.

Other Apps

You can plan your trip on a few other apps including Google Maps app, Moovit, Transit App, and the Wisconsin app.

We have some old apps like BusRadar that no longer show our updated information. This particular app has not been updated in 3 years, and the developer is no longer reachable. We are working on getting that removed from the Google Play store.

Links to the ones that are still valid are below.

System Maps

We printed an early version of the system map. These have been modified slightly since we sent these to print. We knew this was going to happen, but we printed it so that we can start distributing this information at outreach events. We only printed a small quantity so that they will run out. A final version will be printed soon.

We are also handing these out to employees, taking to area libraries, and sending through the mail.

We have flat wall maps in marketing. Stop by if you’d like one.

An updated version of the system map is available online. There aren't many differences between the early version and our current updated version. Some sections on Highland on campus needed to be ironed out.

Bus Stops

Old Stops – Not In Use

Stops that haven’t been used since the beginning of Covid are currently being removed.

New June 11 Stops

Those are going to start being installed soon. They will have a sign hung on them that says “New bus stop effective Sunday, June 11.”

Stops Ending June 11

We’re going to start hanging signs on these stops that say “Stop to close Sunday, June 11.”

Stops Remaining After Redesign

There are about 1,200 stops that will remain after the redesign. Those signs will be switched out with our new blue design AND be updated with the current route letters.

New Sign Design at Current Stop

Our first newly redesigned blue stop has been installed at E. Washington at Marquette due to a replacement need.

BRT Construction

Work has started along the BRT line on Mineral Point Road, Whitney Way, and University Ave. Construction will take place in stages between 2023 and 2024.

There is a public meeting on the construction process this coming Tuesday, March 14. With other meetings to follow.

This is not a public hearing on BRT. It’s an informational presentation on construction.

We created an FAQ for the public on the meeting.

Equity Study

We’ve heard some questions on the equity study that led to this redesign. A link to that study is below.

Questions

More information to come. However, if you have questions now not covered here, please text/call Metro’s employee info line at (608) 640-0451 or mymetrobus@cityofmadison.com.