Commissioner Olsen secures approval for new bus route to Verona

The Madison Transportation Commission made significant strides in improving public transit during its meeting on April 9, 2025, by approving a new bus route to Verona. This decision is expected to enhance accessibility for residents, particularly those needing transportation to key destinations like Target, which has been a barrier to ridership in the past.

Commissioner Olsen initiated the motion to approve the new route, emphasizing the importance of moving forward with this change to facilitate better scheduling and data preparation for the city’s transit system. The approval allows the commission to begin working on the logistics of the route, with specific bus stop locations to be discussed in a future meeting.

The decision reflects a broader commitment to improving public transportation options in Madison, addressing community needs for better connectivity. Commissioner Lynn expressed her support for the expansion, noting that the previous route's limitations contributed to low ridership. By extending the route, the commission aims to make public transit more appealing and accessible to residents.

In addition to the route approval, the commission discussed other topics, including the issuance of citations, although details on those discussions were not highlighted in this meeting. The commission plans to reconvene to finalize the bus stop locations, ensuring that the new route effectively serves the community.

This meeting marks a proactive step towards enhancing public transportation in Madison, aligning with the city’s goals of improving mobility and accessibility for all residents.