Back to the Future With a New DOT
After a couple decades, Madison is reviving at least two aspects of its public transportation system both good and bad. The good is that the city once more has a functioning Department of Transportation with a director. The bad is that citizen participation is being squelched at a time when alders need more, not less, ancillary help from constituents. Lest this seem overly “wonkish” and of little interest, suffice it to say that one of the major recommendations of the task force on equity in music and entertainment is for a more affordable and expansive bus service and public transit network. For those of us who depend on an affordable transit system to get around, how are we supposed to do anything akin to partaking of music or other entertainment when bus fares are so high and many buses run only once an hour after 6 p.m., even on weekdays? It is necessary for current and would-be bus riders to get involved – wade in the weeds and participate in decision making. No