Verona City Administrator Jamie Ollick supports all-day bus service extension to Verona

The Transportation Commission meeting held on April 9, 2025, in Madison, Wisconsin, focused on public input regarding proposed changes to local bus services. The meeting opened with a public hearing, allowing residents to voice their opinions on the planned adjustments.

Several community members participated in the discussion. Matt Golick, a long-time bus rider, expressed strong support for the proposed all-day service extension to Verona, emphasizing the need for improved access outside of peak hours. He highlighted the importance of this service for residents needing to attend appointments during the day.

Conversely, Iris Hitting voiced her opposition to the elimination of the Fitzhirona Nesbit bus stop, which she relies on for transportation. She argued that removing this stop would require her to walk 25 minutes to the nearest alternative, which she deemed unreasonable. Hitting suggested that the bus route be adjusted to maintain the stop, proposing a safer loop around the roundabout instead.

Jamie Ollick, the city administrator of Verona, also spoke in favor of the all-day Route 2 extension. He noted the rapid growth of Verona and the increasing traffic challenges faced by the community. Ollick praised the collaboration with Madison Metro staff and mentioned that funding for additional bus service had been prioritized in Verona's 2025 budget.

The meeting concluded with a call for further questions and comments from the commission members, ensuring that all voices were heard before finalizing decisions on the proposed changes. The discussions highlighted the ongoing efforts to enhance public transportation in the region, balancing the needs of various community members while addressing growth and accessibility challenges.