Fitchburg council approves local share for North–South BRT after lengthy debate

The Fitchburg Common Council voted May 12 to approve a budget amendment to contribute additional local funding toward the North–South Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, a multi‑jurisdiction transit upgrade jointly developed with the City of Madison.

City transportation staff and Metro Transit representatives described the project as approximately a $180 million regional effort expected to be partially funded by a USDOT Small Starts grant. Staff said that, using updated cost estimates and a reduced federal share, Fitchburg’s obligation will be approximately $5.7 million; subtracting $1.5 million previously allocated in the CIP leaves a requested budget amendment of $4.2 million for the council to approve.

The staff presentation emphasized that Fitchburg will own or cost‑share several stations on the corridor and that project components include more visible, partially enclosed shelters, station signage with real‑time arrival information and a south‑end charging point for electric buses—features staff and Metro said improve reliability and rider experience.

Multiple commenters raised concerns. Rick Smith, a member of the Transportation & Transit Commission, said he was not opposed to BRT but questioned whether the $5.7 million capital commitment is the right allocation, asked for more recent local ridership data and noted the project primarily serves two of the city’s four districts. Several councilors echoed worries about district equity and asked for clearer time‑savings figures; Metro staff said similar East–West BRT produced roughly a 10% travel‑time reduction in that corridor and that consultants are modeling expected time savings for the North–South route.

Council discussion also noted cost‑saving design changes: moving from center‑running to side‑running stations for several Fitchburg stops reduced local construction costs. Staff said the US DOT requires local funding commitments before the federal grant can be finalized, explaining the timing of the amendment.

After questions and debate, the council conducted a roll‑call vote. The amendment passed with one recorded no vote (Alder Herbst); the motion carried and staff will proceed with the steps needed to secure federal funding and finalize local financing plans.

Why it matters: The BRT project is a major regional transit investment that could shift development patterns and commuting options in the Fish Hatchery corridor; local contributions are required to unlock federal matching funds. Councilors framed the vote as a decision about long‑term growth, visibility for transit and economic development on the corridor.

What’s next: Staff will present the amendment to the joint review board where necessary and continue NEPA and risk reviews with the Federal Transit Administration; the city expects design and procurement steps to continue while funding is finalized.