City Cast Madison Amtrak Update, BRT Expansion on the Way, and Archaeologist Discover Ancient Parking Lot
Nov 21, 2025
This week dives deep into Madison's transportation plans. The city is eyeing Wilson Street as a potential Amtrak station, weighing benefits against parking concerns. Plus, there's exciting news about a north-south bus rapid transit expansion that may add more stops but raises parking issues. In a fascinating twist, archaeologists have uncovered 16 ancient canoes in Lake Mendota, suggesting a prehistoric canoe parking lot, highlighting its cultural significance. It's a transportation-heavy discussion filled with community impact and historical intrigue!
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Downtown Chosen Despite Space Limits
- Madison selected Wilson Street as the preferred Amtrak station site to place service directly downtown despite limited space.
- City planners see transit connectivity and Lake Monona redevelopment as key benefits that outweigh parking challenges.
Personal Frustration Over Lost Rail Funding
- Rob recalls Governor Scott Walker rejecting federal funds years ago and how that decision still affects rail prospects.
- He connects that lost funding to personal frustration about driving long distances to pick up his daughter.
Use East–West BRT Lessons For Expansion
- Prioritize lessons from the east-west BRT when building the north-south line to avoid repeating mistakes.
- Engage communities early to balance transit efficiency with local business and parking needs.