The city of Madison is working directly with experts in accessibility to give feedback on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and its upcoming rollout. Working across agencies, the city of Madison is evaluating its transportation and pedestrian systems to better meet the needs of residents and visitors with disabilities.
Access to Independence, a local disability-led organization that is part of the national Independent Living network, is consulting with the city as it updates its ADA Transition Plan. The ADA transition plan helps identify potential ADA compliance issues within the transportation and pedestrian right-of-way systems. It also guides the city’s plans to address future access improvements.
Metro has already incorporated the following accessibility features into the BRT project:Â
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All platforms, facilities, and crossings will meet the newest ADA guidelines;
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Street crossings at stations will feature wide, continental style crosswalks with signals;
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Pedestrian signals will include audible signals;
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Five new traffic signals will be added to help people cross the street along the corridor;
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Many of the platforms will be in the middle of the street so that people will only have to cross half the street to get on the bus;
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Information signs will be visual and audible;
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The platforms will be even with the bus to make it easier for people with mobility challenges to board;
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To close the vertical platform gap, there will be bridge plates that deploy faster than typical ramps and without slope;
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Buses will have new wheelchair securements;
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Platforms will feature detectable warning fields and tactile warning strips;
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Metro will handle snow clearance at the stations, and some of the platform edges and ramps will have heated concrete; and
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The new electronic fare system includes an audible and braille display, additional payment options, and a tap system on board.
