–submitted by Valerie Renk
Madison City Transportation Director Tom Lynch shared how transportation evolved in Madison at the October 25 Rotary meeting. Milestones:
- 1869: Rail service begins; by 1899 Madison has 184 trains a day. State had to pass law limiting time streets can be blocked.
- 1884: Street cars begin; pulled by mules until 1892.
- 1901: First modern cars appear. By 1916 cars outnumber horses in Madison.
- 1949: First beltline built (now W Broadway).
- 1962: Passenger rail lost.
- 1965: Cycling on state street/square outlawed.
- 1968: Bus company leaves; city buys to maintain service
Lynch shared that both public and private transportation are subsidized. Those first mule-pulled street cars offered 5 cent rides but cost the city 9 cents. Today’s Lake Street Ramp costs the city about $700/stall/year with revenue of $212, a subsidy gap of almost $500 per car. Streets are also 40% wider to accommodate parking, another cost covered by property taxes.
Three initiatives were reviewed by Lynch. Vision Zero is designed to safely and equitably prioritize traffic needs. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is finally happening. Modest means and BIPOC citizens are especially helped by new schedules and technology moving buses more quickly. Passenger Rail could bounce back from that 1961 loss if the city wins part of 102 billion available federal rail grants. Watch for November announcements and January public meetings.
If you missed our meeting this week, you can watch the video here: https://youtu.be/5mE3TKrILW4.
Rotary Club of Madison, Wisconsin 