The Transportation Commission on Oct. 22 approved a package of Metro Transit stop updates that included relocating and consolidating several stops, replacing a shelter with a bench at Cottage Grove and Dempsey after repeated vehicle strikes, and suspending a bench request at Eastbound Wilson at King after alder opposition. Commissioners also accepted Metro Transit’s annual safety plan following brief clarifying questions.

Mike, the Metro Transit presenter, said the changes are partner-driven adjustments and included an eastbound Main Street stop relocation in Sun Prairie (Route W) to align with an existing concrete pad and to provide a direct pedestrian route from a new apartment building; consolidation of four problematic stops on East Cheryl at Syene into a single, accessible pair at Syene Road in Fitchburg; and a shelter removal at Westbound Cottage Grove at Dempsey because of repeated collisions with the shelter.

Alder Martinez asked whether a replacement shelter could be sited farther from the curb to avoid “mirror strikes.” Mike said the agency is testing slimmer shelters that might fit and is open to reorienting one of two ordered shelters if feasible; he said staff already removed the shelter as an immediate safety action and would explore alternatives for a replacement. Harold asked whether staff received public feedback on the proposals; Mike said feedback was limited but noted the Sun Prairie relocation was requested by a resident.

On the Metro Transit safety plan (agenda item 5), Justin (staff) was available for questions; an initial request to separate the safety plan from the consent agenda led to a brief discussion. Alder Harrington McKinney asked how school-related priorities were scored; staff clarified that school-related items are tracked and that Safe Streets/other programs maintain a school-location list.

Motion and vote: For the bus-stop updates, Alder Martinez Rutherford moved approval “with the understanding that we are looking to replace the shelter at Westbound Cottage Grove and Dempsey”; Alder Harrington McKinney seconded. The chair recorded the motion as carried by unanimous consent. The Metro Transit annual safety plan (item 5 on the agenda) was likewise separated from the consent agenda for questions and then approved by unanimous consent after discussion.

Ending: Staff will finalize the stop relocations and coordinate with partner agencies (Sun Prairie, Fitchburg) on timelines, and Metro Transit will continue to evaluate shelter designs and RRFB (rectangular rapid-flashing beacon) configurations depending on site-by-site needs.