Cars are a big deal when it comes to climate change. Here in Dane County, travel accounts for over 30% of the average person's total emissions.
But we have the power to change that! Think about this: The EPA estimates that if we all walked or biked instead of driving for half of those quick, less-than-a-mile trips, we'd cut five billion driving miles annually in the U.S.
Bottom line? Half of all U.S. trips are three miles or less. Swapping the car for a bike, a bus, or an EV isn't just a small gesture—it's a huge step for your personal carbon footprint.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are an affordable, low-maintenance, clean energy alternative to gas cars. Resources about the benefits of EVs:
And if you have questions about the availability of public EV charging, check out our Charge Up Dane County initiative, which is expanding affordable EV charging across the County.
Our office strives to make electric vehicle (EV) ownership more accessible, and as part of these efforts we are implementing Charge Up Dane County, a regional initiative that installs EV chargers in underserved areas. This project was made possible due to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which granted $13.2 million in funding to expand charging locations especially in multi-family neighborhoods, rural areas, and mutli-modal transportation hubs. As more people begin to own EVs, we want to ensure there is accessible EV charging infrastructure across the county so that the barriers to EV adoption are reduced.
Charge Up Dane County
Active transportation is any mode of transit that is human-powered, like biking, walking, skateboarding, etc.
Replacing driving with biking or walking is one of the most effective methods to improve your health. Madison residents bike, on average, 6% of their trips, as compared to the national rate of 1%. So if you ride you are in good company!
Plan Your Trip
Take a look at the Dane County Bike Map to identify the safest and most scenic routes. New to bicycling or bike commuting in Dane County? Check out RoundTrip Greater Madison's free Bike Buddies program and register to search for a buddy.
Bike Share
The BCycle app helps you to use the bike share system in Madison. Check out the station map to see where the stations are located. If you want to give it a try, the Madison Public Library system has passes for you to take a free trip.
Electric Bikes
Electric bikes are also a faster and efficient way of transportation and more efficient way of transportation that can make tackling hills or carrying loads (like groceries!), a breeze. Learn more about their use and local regulations.
Pedestrian Resources
Dane County pedestrian facilities are continually improving. The Pedestrian Facilities map identifies opportunities to better meet pedestrian needs.
Metro Transit is the main provider of public transportation in Dane County. Service extends beyond Madison to Fitchburg, Middleton, Monona, Sun Prairie, and Verona. There are five transit served park-and-rides if you are coming outside of Madison and want to avoid the hassle and cost of driving and parking. More information about their locations are linked below.
The City of Madison has a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system that features electric buses, a FastFare system, bus-only traffic lanes, and bus trackers. Each bus has a bike rack located inside the rear door. The BRT also serves the Junction Road, Sun Prairie, and American Center Park-and-Rides.
Specialized Transit for Seniors, People with Disabilities, and Low-Income Individuals
The YWCA JobRide program offers limited service for low-income riders who live on a bus route but are traveling outside of service hours.
Dane County Department of Human Services provides transportation resources and services that enable seniors, persons with disabilities, veterans, workers, refugees, low-income families, and others to access their communities.
Transportation assistance is available to:
Additionally, Travel Training is available for those who need assistance learning to navigate the transportation systems. Check out their Bus Buddy Program, that matches learners with a Volunteer Bus Buddy to help learn how to utilize the bus system.
To learn more and access services you can email TransportationCallCenter@danecounty.gov or call (608) 242-6489.
RoundTrip Connect is Dane County’s go-to platform for planning commutes and finding smarter ways to get around. You can compare commute options, match with others for carpooling, vanpooling, and biking to work/school, and track your car-free trips to participate in fun regional challenges
