Connecting the Region: A Newsletter from the Greater Madison MPO - Issue 2 | 2022

Message from the Director

Many exciting transportation developments occurred in 2022 at the national, regional, and local levels, beginning with implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Passed in late 2021, the BIL represents an historic investment in transportation and other infrastructure that has allowed the Greater Madison MPO to allocate funding to a number of local projects (see Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) article below).

Even more exciting than the increased funding is the policy change it represents, paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable transportation system that is safe for all users, with new funding programs for carbon reduction, resiliency, and safety. [Read the rest of the Message from the Director]

2023-2027 Transportation Improvement Program Approved

The MPO Policy Board approved the 2023-2027 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for the Madison Metropolitan Area & Dane County on October 12, 2022. The TIP lists major transportation improvements and studies with approved or committed funding during the next five-year period.

The Greater Madison MPO must approve all projects with federal funding and/or that are regionally significant, including those selected or programmed by implementing agencies such as WisDOT and Metro Transit. As part of the TIP process, the MPO ensures coordination amongst implementing agencies and consistency of projects with the Regional Transportation Plan. [Read more about the 2023-2027 TIP]

Transit Project and Planning Updates

The following are updates on major transit projects and service planning efforts in the region. There are many exciting things happening that will greatly improve the transit system in the near future. MPO staff have been providing support for a number of these efforts:

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
Metro Transit Network Redesign, Title VI & Equity Analysis
Sun Prairie Local Bus Service
Monona Transit
Cottage Grove/Amazon
Village of Oregon
Transit Development Plan Update
Madison (Draft) Transit Oriented Development Overlay Zone

[Read more about these projects, with links for more information]

Reducing Fatal and Serious Injury Crashes: Creating a Safety Action Plan for the Madison Metropolitan Area

Reducing fatal and serious injury crashes towards zero for all roadway users is a top priority in the MPO’s Connect Greater Madison 2050 Regional Transportation Plan. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act introduced a new funding program called Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A), which will award $5 billion over the next 5 years to MPOs and local governments to create safety action plans and implement safety projects. The MPO recently issued a request for proposals to hire a consultant to help create a safety action plan for the Madison metropolitan area and assist in putting together a regional application for funding to implement safety projects with interested local governments in the planning area. [Read more about the safety action plan]

New Resources from the RoundTrip Program

Employer Commute Options Toolkit

A new Employer Commute Options Toolkit from the RoundTrip program provides Madison area employers with a roadmap for supporting walking, bicycling, riding public transit and carpooling to work. [Read more about the toolkit]

2023 Regional Rideshare & Mobility Options Platform

The MPO will launch a new mobility management platform through the RoundTrip program in January 2023, aimed at accelerating the use of non- drive-alone transportation options including walking, bicycling, public transit, carpooling, and vanpooling in Dane County. [Read more about the new platform]

Work Begins on Regional Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan

The MPO recently began work on a regional electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure plan to help Dane County communities assess the current and future adequacy of their charging infrastructure, increase the availability of charging infrastructure where needed, and secure and make the best possible use of grant funding for EV infrastructure expansion. [Read more about the MPO's EV infrastructure plan]

Get to Know Your MPO Board Member: Vice Chair Doug Wood

Doug Wood is Alder of the City of Monona and owner of Wisconsin Railroad Consulting and Mediation. He brings years of regulatory and legal expertise in the transportation sector to the policy board. [Read more about Vice Chair Doug Wood]

Get to Know Your MPO Board Member: Kristi Williams

Board Member Kristi Williams is Board Supervisor of the Town of Cottage Grove. She brings years of public service to the policy board. [Read more about Board Member Kristi Williams]

CARPC Corner: Current & Upcoming Projects

As 2022 comes to a close, the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission is working on a variety of exciting projects, with more on the horizon in 2023. Below are some of the recent highlights:

Partnering with UW, Communities on Local Code Assessment
2020 Dane County Land Use Inventory Now Available
Climate Asset Mapping with teh Midwest Climate Collaborative
Planing 101 Webinars
Black Earth Creek Watershed Green Infrastructure Plan Approved
2022 Heritage Oak Project
Community Assistance Projects

[Read more about the projects, with links for more information]

MPO Receives 2022 Climate Champion Recognition for Employee Commuting

The MPO is proud to be awarded Dane County Climate Champion status by the Dane County Office of Energy and Climate Change.

The MPO achieved 4-star status in the Employee Commuting category by encouraging alternative transportation options, leading to 100% of employees primarily commuting by bus, bicycling, and telework.

Read more, learn about the Dane County Climate Champions program, and make your plan to join us in 2023!

Commute with Confidence When You Walk, Bike, Bus, and Rideshare

Winter is a great time to sign up with the Dane County Emergency Ride Home (ERH) program, available to all commuters who primarily walk, bike, ride the bus, or car/vanpool to work.

The ERH program makes it easier to choose affordable, healthy, and sustainable transportation options without worrying about the “what ifs” of leaving your personal vehicle at home.

To learn more and sign up, visit the RoundTrip website and click on “Emergency Ride Home.”

ERH is funded by the Dane County Highway & Transportation Department, and administered by the Greater Madison MPO RoundTrip program.