Madison bus services are expanding to reach Verona and serve Epic Systems staff, as well as those in need of paratransit according to the Wisconsin State Journal.
Route D2, which currently provides peak hour service in the early morning and late afternoon, will expand to regular daytime service. The route extends down to McKee Road and Maple Grove Drive at present, traveling back to downtown Madison along Nakoma Road and Monroe street; once the expansion is launched, however, it will run all the way to Epic’s campus between the start of service and 7 p.m. on weekdays. Metro will also bring paratransit to the route to help individuals with disabilities who cannot use its accessible fixed-route bus service.
Verona will provide roughly $296,000 to fund the expanded line, and $320,000 will come from a federal planning grant. The move will reportedly require the hiring of four additional bus drivers, a new mechanic, dispatcher, utility worker, and parts clerk.
Metro plans to release additional details about the expansion during a city Transportation Commission meeting in early April. The Madison City Council on Tuesday approved changes to Metro’s budget to accommodate the new service.
