If you’ve driven around the west side of Madison or downtown in the past few months, you’ve likely noticed road construction seemingly everywhere. But it hasn’t just been the usual road repairs. Mysteriously, red squares have popped up on certain roads—Mineral Point Road, Johnson/Gorham, and East Washington Avenue—which might leave drivers confused. If you’ve traveled these roads recently, you’ve likely seen a 60-foot, all-electric, blue-and-white bus zooming by. So, what’s all of this for? It’s called Bus Rapid Transit.

Madison has been working to implement Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) as part of its Metro Transit network for decades. However, due to funding challenges, disputes with the state, and other hurdles, the project remained stalled until Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway took office in 2019 and launched her “MetroForward” agenda. This plan prioritized BRT and a network redesign. With funding from federal grants, including the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, combined with state support, BRT is finally a reality after a summer of heavy construction. So, what is BRT, and how does it work?

What Makes BRT Different?

BRT differs from Madison’s existing bus routes in a few key ways. While it’s still a bus, not a train, its accordion-style design allows it to maneuver turns more easily, even though the BRT buses are 50% longer than Madison’s standard fleet. Despite their size, drivers only need to turn two connected 30-foot sections, as opposed to one 40-foot section.

The buses are all-electric, with charging stations at the West and East terminals that recharge quickly enough for continuous operation, theoretically allowing 24/7 service. Additionally, BRT buses have doors on both sides to accommodate the Rapid A route’s median stations on Mineral Point Road. This design allows passengers to cross only half the street to access either direction.

BRT service is more frequent, with buses arriving every 15 minutes Monday through Saturday (until 8 PM on weekdays and 7 PM on Saturdays) and every 30 minutes until 7 PM on Sundays. To speed up boarding, cash payments are not accepted on the bus itself. Instead, fare machines at the stations sell Metro’s new “Fast Fare” cards, which are reloadable online. This is a shift away from the old 10-ride passes.

How to Ride BRT

To ride the BRT, simply find the nearest station (information available here), cross the street when the signal indicates it’s safe, and purchase a Fast Fare card if needed. Fares are priced the same across the entire Metro network, with students eligible for half-priced fares when they apply for a Fast Fare card.

It’s important to note that the Rapid A route is not the only route using the new buses—routes B and F also use the same stations along the corridor. Make sure you’re on the correct route. Stations feature digital signs with real-time arrival information. Once aboard, pull the yellow cord near your destination to request a stop, and safely exit the bus when it arrives.

For Drivers: What You Need to Know

Drivers should be aware of a few key rules. First, you should never drive in a red “Bus Only” lane, which is located either on the far left (Mineral Point Road) or far right (downtown). Stick to the regular driving lanes, and only enter the bus lane in designated turning zones, where the red line will stop. Most intersections will have both a bus lane and a turn lane, so be mindful not to turn from the bus lane. Violators may be ticketed by the Madison Police Department, as enforcement has already begun.

At certain intersections, you may encounter bus-priority signals, known as “queue jump signals,” indicated by vertical and horizontal white lines. These allow buses to move ahead of traffic, but they are for buses only. Continue to follow the standard red, green, and yellow signals and disregard the white bus lights.

Finally, some areas, particularly Grand Canyon Dr and Mineral Point Rd near VPM, are still under construction. Please stay cautious and watch for buses, pedestrians, and ongoing work as you navigate these areas.