Madison commission approves Metro Transit stop and trip changes after heated public objections over Petrona stop

The Madison Transportation Commission voted on June 11 to approve a package of Metro Transit stop relocations and trip reallocations — including changes tied to the D2 extension and Route 75 — after public comment and a split vote on one contested Petrona/Fitzhrona stop.

Metro Transit staff said the adjustments are meant to keep service on time and to integrate the D2 extension; staff described the work as part of rebalancing morning and afternoon trips on Route 75 and finalizing stop locations for the D2 alignment.

Why it mattered: The packet includes several stop consolidations and relocations across the transit network and a reallocation of some Route 75 trips to allow the D2 extension to operate without adding an extra bus at peak times. One specific removal — a stop near the Petrona/Nesbitt roundabout (stop ID 4649) — drew multiple public speakers who said the change would lengthen walking times and reduce transit access for non-drivers.

Metro Transit rationale and data

Metro staff presented ridership and operational data to support the changes. Sean, a Metro Transit planner, said the Petrona stop had about nine boardings a day in April and about four per day in winter months, and that most of the area near McKee and Manchester would be served by D2.…