Biden administration recommends $118 million for city's north-south BRT route

Maybe Fitchburg will finally grow a downtown. Lol 💀

The relevant bit:

In Wisconsin, $118.1 million is recommended for the city of Madison's North-South Bus Rapid Transit Project, which will connect neighborhoods north of Madison, through downtown, and into the city of Fitchburg. The BRT project will provide access for underserved communities and low-income populations and link them to employment opportunities and healthcare facilities. The project includes 5.2 miles of exclusive bus lanes, stations and the purchase of battery electric buses.

Also cool:

Support equity in rural and Tribal areas: Waive the match requirement for rural, tribal, and non-profit providers in the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and People with Disabilities and Formula Grants for Rural Areas programs, and waive the match requirement for Tribal applicants to the Buses and Bus Facilities and Low-and No Emission competitive programs;

Address the fiscal cliff: Allow Urbanized Area Formula Funds and Federal Highway Administration "flex funds" to be used for operating assistance in all urban areas;

Empower local authorities: Enable transit agencies to purchase real property outside an existing transit corridor, harmonizing with Federal Highway Administration policies;

Unlock micromobility systems: Allow FTA grantees to directly fund shared micromobility systems, such as bicycles and scooters, to enhance connectivity to transit stations; and

Lower bus costs and speed up delivery: Authorize FTA to encourage lower costs and faster delivery of low- and no-emission buses, such as through standardized purchases