The next phase of Madison’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) development began this last weekend with the arrival of new buses and the beginning of driver training, according to the Wisconsin State Journal. BRT is expected to launch this fall, with an initial route running roughly between East Towne and West Towne malls and a 2027–28 route running from Madison’s north side to downtown, Park Street, and into Fitchburg.
Seven of the 62 buses that will serve the BRT have arrived from the factory, with more expected in the coming weeks. Each is 60 feet long, with an accordion-style center connecting two halves.
Driver training will happen in two parts. Initial training will build drivers’ familiarity with new controls and the BRT buses, and a second training phase this summer will center on BRT service and maneuvering in and out of stations. Metro Transit is still hiring bus drivers.
