Campus bus routes will offer free rides in fall

Students, employees and visitors will no longer have to purchase a pass or put 50 cents in the fare box to ride campus “L” and “LN” buses.

The Campus Transportation Committee has approved free rides for a one-year trial period, with the possibility of continuing the no-fare policy beyond the first year.

“The policy is in keeping with our efforts to reduce motor vehicle traffic to, from and on the campus,” says Rachel Martin, manager of the Try A Different Mode (TDM) program for UW–Madison Transportation Services.

“We hope it will encourage individuals to ride a Madison Metro bus from home and then hop on the campus bus to get to their classes, offices or visitor destinations,” Martin says.

The “L” line provides service to campus locations that may not be accessible by existing city bus routes. Martin says it will now be more convenient for faculty and staff to ride the bus to meetings and run errands around campus without using their vehicles.

Noel Radomski, director of the Office of Visitor Services, says free buses will very beneficial to campus visitors, who often have difficulty finding parking near their destinations.

“Every day we have hundreds, if not thousands, of visitors coming to the Madison campus for a variety of reasons, such as attending conferences, special events and classes or participating in other university activities. The no-fare policy will make this an even more inviting place for them.”

Radomski says it will be easier for visitors to get around and see more of UW–Madison.

Transportation Services will cover the cost of service for employees and visitors. Funding for student rides will be covered through an agreement between the university and Associated Students of Madison, the campus student government organization. Fees devoted to the service will be about $3 per student. Students make up about 75 percent of campus bus riders.

“If the program encourages more people to leave their cars at home and take the bus, it will be well worth this small investment,” says Martin. “Efforts like this contribute to the high quality of life we’re able to enjoy on this campus.”