The city of Madison’s proposed bus rapid transit (BRT) second phase, running north and south, suggests relocating traffic lanes toward the curb, eliminating the bus/parking lane, and creating medians for BRT stations. However, many local business owners along South Park Street are expressing concerns that eliminating street parking could be devastating to their livelihoods, according to a Wisconsin State Journal report.
In response to these concerns, Metro Transit is currently exploring options to preserve or replace as much parking as possible along South Park Street during the construction of the north-south BRT line, expected to commence in 2026, contingent on federal funding availability.
The BRT initiative involves high-frequency, high-capacity, limited-stop service with electric buses operating on city streets and dedicated lanes. The preliminary east-west route from East Towne to West Towne is scheduled for completion in late 2024. The second north-south route, from Knutson and Northport drives to McKee and Fish Hatchery roads, is in early planning stages.
While much of the east-west route lacks street parking, South Park Street on the north-south route presents challenges. Business owners expressed dissatisfaction with the city’s outreach efforts, particularly to multiethnic businesses where English may not be the first language.
City Transportation Director Tom Lynch notes there are potential strategies, such as removing parking where usage is low, implementing peak-hour parking restrictions, relocating parking to side streets, and having buses share mixed traffic on specific blocks. Some property owners suggest keeping street parking and allowing BRT buses to travel in mixed traffic where feasible.
Metro is actively seeking public input to refine project concepts for the north-south route, but some attendees at public meetings criticize the absence of business representation. The city aims to address concerns and discuss specific options with South Park Street businesses, with the next series of public meetings expected to be scheduled after the holidays, possibly in late January.
