Why Fitchburg Bus Service is radically changing & how to submit feedback
WHY IS BUS SERVICE GOING TO CHANGE?
Madison Metro Transit, which provides bus services to Madison and surrounding cities like Fitchburg, has been working on a network redesign for the last couple years.
WHY THE REDESIGN?
Here’s what metro has to say about it, “The Metro Transit Network Redesign will design a route system that will better meet the needs of Madison area residents and businesses by increasing access and frequency, decreasing travel times, and improving the quality of transit riders’ experience. Metro Transit has not planned changes this substantial since transfer points were installed over 23 years ago.”
WHAT ARE THE PROPOSED CHANGES?
This is direct from the Madison Metro Website.
“This Draft Plan proposes a network centered around a different set of choices.”
“More frequent and direct routes that connect many people to many places.”
“Consistent service across the day and week. Fewer peak-only routes, more midday frequency, and routes that follow the same path any time they are in operation.”
“To make this possible with available resources, service would continue to serve the same areas, but sometimes require longer walks. A few areas would be served at peak hours only.”
Another important change: transfer points are going away.
WHAT DOES THE NEW NETWORK LOOK LIKE?
Madison Metro Transit recently released a Draft Map of the network and there are significant changes. On the whole, the network redesign is almost certainly a net positive for the region. But for certain individuals, these changes will be radical and will change the way they use the system or even their ability to use the system.
FITCHBURG SPECIFIC DRAFT MAP
FULL SYSTEM DRAFT MAP
WATCH FIRST PUBLIC MEETING ABOUT THE DRAFT MAP
Madison Metro held the first community meeting about the draft map on February 24, 2022. You can watch the video online and read the materials.
CAN THE MAP BE CHANGED?
Yes, the map is subject to change. But my understanding is that it is unlikely that significant changes will occur (i.e. adding back transfer points, adding a route, moving a route far from where it is now).
However, small(er) changes and details are up for discussion, and small changes may make a significant difference in a neighborhood.
WHEN WILL THIS NETWORK GO INTO EFFECT?
The new network will not go into effect until mid to late summer 2023, at the earliest.
HOW TO SUBMIT FEEDBACK
#1 TAKE THE DRAFT NETWORK PLAN SURVEY
#2 ATTEND FITCHBURG PUBLIC MEETING IN-PERSON OR ONLINE ON MONDAY, MARCH 28 FROM 6-7:30PM
IN-PERSON OPTIONS ON MARCH 28
City Hall Council Chambers, 5520 Lacy Rd
Boys and Girls Club, 4619 Jenewein Rd, Fitchburg, WI 53711
Doxa Church, 2700 Novation Pkwy., Madison WI, 53713
Community Room at The Fairways Clubhouse, 2301 Traceway Drive, Fitchburg, WI 53713
ONLINE OPTIONS ON MARCH 28
To participate online, please pre-register with this zoom link
To watch-only online, go to this section of the city website
FUTURE OPTIONS
We may hold additional meetings in Fitchburg, but none are planned at this time. To stay up to date on future meeting, please sign up for email or text message alerts on the Fitchburg website by clicking this link and signing up for “Public Transportation” notices.
Additional events are happening all over the area. You can find the full list of public meetings online.
#3 REACH OUT TO FITCHBURG STAFF OR ELECTED OFFICIALS
Always feel free to reach out directly to Fitchburg staff
Find relevant staff information here.
Contact your alders by phone or email. Find their contact information here.
Alder Gerhardt (who is writing this post!) sits on the Transportation and Transit Committee
Email the entire council and mayor here Council&Mayor@fitchburgwi.gov