Drawing the inaccessible bus stops of Metro Transit

A blue and black drawing of the now-closed West Transfer point, which had benches, and shelter — ***Transfer points were some of the only accessible bus stops with shelter and seating. In the redesign, all but one were closed.*** ***Illustration by Rachel Litchman.***

A Madison network redesign compounds the poor conditions people with disabilities face on local bus routes.

The recent Madison Metro bus system redesign was supposed to improve problems with bus route accessibility, stop frequency, and the number of transfers needed to complete lengthy routes. While the system has improved service for some, it has disproportionately left out people who already face transportation struggles due to income, location of residence, or disability.

As a person with a physical disability, I have relied on public transportation my entire life in order to access work, school, groceries, healthcare, and social activities. I am not able to walk extended distances between stops, stand on a bus without seating, or wait outside for prolonged periods of time in heat or cold without consequences to my health. These issues, along with a lack of bus stops that are wheelchair-accessible, are just some of the issues that people with disabilities face in obtaining equitable transportation access.

Recently, on my way back from a medical appointment, a bus scheduled at a nearby stop on South Whitney Way arrived early. I rushed to catch it before it left the stop, but it left me stranded in the summer heat beside a massive hole in the sidewalk. In my frustration, I took a photo of the inaccessible bus stop, drew it, and posted my story on Instagram when I got home. That initial drawing of the inaccessible stop began this extended project.

Below are six inaccessible stops I have collected, either through documenting problems on my own routes, or through obtaining references and tips from other people. I want to document more inaccessible bus stops, so if you see one please email a photo to rdlitchman@yahoo.com with the location of the stop. To bring up these issues to the City of Madison, you can email transportationcommission@cityofmadison.com or register for public comment for the upcoming September thirteen meeting. You can also provide feedback directly to Metro Transit.

Map

Below is a map of the inaccessible bus stops I have documented so far. Bus stops are identified as a pink dot. The hyperlink within each title will take readers to an exact location on the City of Madison’s transit map. There is no link for the West Transfer Point, since it has been closed down.

A blue-black illustration shows the Madison area, with the lakes and major arterial roads. The artist has marked where the stops in this post are located. — ***Illustration by Rachel Litchman.***

West Transfer Point (closed)

The West Transfer Point, along with all transfer points except the South Transfer Point, have been closed down. Transfer points were some of the only locations in Metro’s network with adequate seating, shelter, and shade. Additionally, these closed and existing shelter areas enforce anti-homeless regulations and criminalize people in need of a space to rest or sit down.

Aberg at Loftsgordon westbound, Route L

Where there used to be nine routes servicing this neighborhood on the north side, there is now only one. This limits the resources people in this neighborhood can access. The bus system redesign was meant to allow for more transfer opportunities between routes, so that fewer routes were needed, but there have been ongoing issues with buses not arriving on time, making transfers difficult.

A blue and black drawing shows a bus stop in front of a rail crossing . — ***Illustration by Rachel Litchman.***

Aberg at Loftsgordon eastbound, Route L

The eastbound stop at Aberg and Loftsgordon also has reduced routes. There is trash covering the stop, making it inaccessible for wheelchair users. There is also no seating or shade available.

A blue and black illustration shows several garbage bags in the grass right next to a bus stop. — Illustration by Rachel Litchman.

Aberg at Packers westbound, Route L

There is no curb cut at this new stop, making it wheelchair inaccessible. This stop is also at the side of a busy intersection, which makes the lack of curb cut a safety issue if wheelchair users have to get off at an alternative location on the street.

A blue and black illustration shows a bus stop in the grass, a few feet away from the sidewalk, without any pavement for going on or off the bus. — ***Illustration by Rachel Litchman.***

West Washington at Bedford eastbound, Routes E, 75, 81

This is one of the many stops without adequate seating. Stops like these are the majority, not the exception, and they provide challenges to bus riders who are not able to stand for prolonged periods of time.

A blue and black illustration of a bus stop with no seating or shade despite a wide open sidewalk area. — ***Illustration by Rachel Litchman.***

South Whitney at Tokay northbound, Routes D, E, J:

I had to sit at this stop after a healthcare appointment a little under a mile away. It is the closest stop to many healthcare resources in the area, one of them being a clinic that services people with orthopedic injuries. The stop has a hole in the sidewalk in front of the bus stop, making it inaccessible to wheelchair users. It is also exposed to direct sunlight and there is also no seating.

A blue and black illustration of a bus stop blocked by a hole in the sidewalk that is surrounded by traffic cones and caution tape. — ***Illustration by Rachel Litchman.***

Tone Madison wants to continue publishing this series but we need your help! Send photos of inaccessible bus stops to rdlitchman@yahoo.com with the location of the stop.

To bring up these issues to the City of Madison, you can email transportationcommission@cityofmadison.com or register for public comment for the upcoming September thirteen meeting. You can also provide feedback directly to Metro Transit.