After much anticipation, Madison’s east-west Bus Rapid Transit route (otherwise known as Rapid Route A) launched on Sunday. Here’s what you need to know about riding on the big accordion buses.
Where and When Do the Buses Run?
Rapid Route A, which extends from the Park and Ride in Sun Prairie to Junction Road, will run every 15 minutes Monday through Friday until 8 p.m. and until 7 p.m. on Saturdays. Thirty-minute service will be available on Sundays and holidays.
How Do I Pay?
To keep the buses on schedule, cash and “old fare” media like 31-day passes and 10-ride cards are not accepted when boarding at BRT stations.
Instead, riders should get “Fast Fare” cards, a smart card that can be reloaded using an online account. Pick up the card at Metro and many community events, and once your account is set up, riders can simply tap the card on the new fare readers, which are on both BRT and regular route buses.
How Much Does It Cost?
The new Metro adult fares are $2 per ride, $5 for a day pass, $16.25 for a week, and $65 for a month. Reduced fares are available for youth, seniors, those with low income, and those with disabilities.
Wait, I Have More Questions!
City staff will be at BRT stations Monday to answer questions and hand out Fast Fare cards. Contact Metro’s customer service center at (608) 266-4466 or mymetrobus@cityofmadison.com.
Mick Rusch, Metro’s interim chief development officer, answered some of our questions on the City Cast Madison podcast back in April.
