Commission approves two accelerated bus-stop changes for March service update

The Transportation Commission approved two accelerated bus-stop changes on Jan. 21 to go into effect with the March service change.

Mike (city transit staff) described the first change at westbound University Avenue near University Bay Drive: four routes currently serve the near-side stop (C, E, J and R); because C and J turn right there and the other two routes go straight, the proposal is to have routes C and J skip Stop 2820 and instead serve Stop 2131 farther west to reduce bus-to-car conflicts at the off-ramp. "So we are proposing to have routes C and J skip Stop 2820 and then just hang right and stop at 2131 in the westbound direction," Mike said.

The second proposed change was to close Stop 490 southbound on Charter Street at Johnson. Mike said buses must be in the right lane to serve the stop and then turn left, creating driver confusion and lane conflicts; he added the stop is very close to other stops and the University of Wisconsin told staff it had no concerns with the proposed closure.

Bill moved to approve both changes; the motion was seconded and, with no hands raised to object, the chair said the motion carried by unanimous consent.

What this means: routes C and J will stop serving the near-side University Avenue stop listed as Stop 2820 and will instead serve Stop 2131; Stop 490 on Charter at Johnson will be closed. Staff will implement the changes for the March service update and monitor any operational impacts.