Department of Transportation

The first community survey for the Madison East-West Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Planning Study recently closed and received 2,992 responses in two months. The survey was distributed online and in-person at three mobile engagement stations, and included an accessible, screen-reader compatible version that received 295 responses. Participants included frequent and non-frequent transit riders, as well as people living in sixty-two zip codes in and around Madison. Thank you to everyone who provided input!

The strong response to this survey and other public engagement efforts during the first few months of this project demonstrates the high level of excitement and interest that surrounds BRT in Madison. As we plan for Madison’s first bus rapid transit line to complement the existing Metro transit system, we encourage our community members to get involved through upcoming public meetings, mobile engagement stations and social media (@mymetrobus, @CityofMadison). Special efforts were made to reach out to potentially disenfranchised riders and commuters. The second survey that will be released later this year. You can learn more and sign up for project updates at www.madisonbrt.com.

What We Heard
Top priorities identified by survey participants for the BRT system include fast and reliable buses, convenient transfers, and pedestrian connections. Participants expressed a strong desire to increase the speed, frequency, and reliability of bus service, particularly during off-peak and weekend timeframes. This priority relates to an equity issue in Madison, as the impacts of travel delays, transfers, and limited off-peak service are experienced disproportionately by minority and low-income individuals.

Among other priorities, participants identified faster cross-town travel times and more frequent, reliable service to employers and destinations outside of central Madison as the most important regional benefits of BRT. Participants also prioritized both new and improved/expanded park-n-ride lots among the parking issues that should be considered, and identified improved bike connections and onboard bike storage as the most important bike-related improvements.

Among options for better bus features, participants prioritized alternative fuel, or electric buses, and onboard WiFi.

Top issues identified include congestion causing travel delays; insufficient connections; the need to add/improve crosswalks and bus stop amenities; and parking issues that would be improved by new park-n-ride lots. In total, 3,704 pins were dropped on the interactive map to alert project staff to existing issues related to service, bus stops, biking walking, traffic, and parking.

Get Involved!
It is important that the Madison BRT system reflect a range of community needs, concerns, and priorities. Please share your input to make this project a success!
Visit www.MadisonBRT.com to:
 Access a map of the Madison East-West BRT study area.
 View BRT photos and information about projects in other cities.
 Sign up for project updates, including public meetings and events.
 Sign up to be notified when the next online survey is available.