MADISON, Wis. -- Madison Metro transit is under new leadership.

Jamie Acton stepped into the role as Metro's new general manager Oct. 13, one year after Bus Rapid Transit was introduced around the city, on the heels of a new contract agreement between the City of Madison and the union representing Metro employees and following a string of assaults against bus drivers.

"We have a really great opportunity to build relationships across the board," said Acton, "whether that's with the operators, whether they're with mechanics and technicians or admin staff."

Acton tells News 3 Now she's focused on rebuilding trust between drivers and Metro leadership. Her predecessor Justin Stuehrenberg resigned from the position in May amid union contract negotiations.

Teamsters Local 120 and the City of Madison came to a three-year contract agreement in September, cementing an annual wage increase, more vacation days and new language to protect drivers against assaults on the job--something Acton says is critical.

"One of the things I think is really important is obviously de-escalation training," she said. "But also, what are other mitigation efforts that we can take?"

Metro went through a system redesign with the rollout of BRT in fall of 2024. Its signature red lanes will require upkeep for years to come.

"[You] don't ever want to put a service out that you don't have plans to maintain," said Acton about the BRT infrastructure. "So yeah, that is definitely part of our budgeting process. A lot of that will depend on our operating budget that we receive from the city, our tax revenues that we receive and then also federal funds."

Construction plans for the North-South route, which will serve as Phase 2 of BRT, should also be included in the budget process.

"Just really kind of looking at the deliverables for it. And, and looking at, you know, will it be a one-and-done full sale?" said Acton. "...Or will it be a phased approach?"

Construction for the route is set for 2027. It'll require new pavement, two new traffic signals and a new shared path for better walking and biking access.

Acton says Madison Metro has gone through a lot of growth in a short amount of time. She says she sees the start of her leadership as a time to pause and evaluate the work that's been done.

https://www.channel3000.com/news/new-madison-metro-gm-talks-driver-treatment-red-lane-upkeep-and-future-of-city-transit/article_f70dbdc6-d743-40de-9590-3dbac4900c1f.html