No matter the season, students are always looking for new ways to get around Madison. Even in the spring, when weather is warming up, students still use a variety of transportation methods to get from place to place. Here are our grades and reviews for the main transportation methods on campus.
Bus System: B-
While this is every student’s primary mode of transportation, the bus system can be a little tricky at first. While the buses do run frequently and all around campus, they are often overcrowded. In the winter, buses quickly fill to capacity, leading drivers to no longer allow students on at certain stops. This is horrible when you’ve already been standing in the snow for 10 minutes waiting for the bus and now have to wait for the next one (praying that there is room) or sprint to class so you’re not late. On the upside, being students of the university makes this form of transportation completely free, regardless of the distance you wish to travel. The Mobile UW app also allows busgoers to see when their bus will arrive in real time, as opposed to what is scheduled.
Madison City Cabs: C
Taxis in Madison are convenient when the buses no longer run. While cab companies offer service 24/7, they regularly run late or have a long wait until a cab can be sent in peak late-night hours. To add to this dilemma, you often have to wait for a long period of time before an employee can answer and send a cab. Fortunately, GreenCab offers group rides for shared rates and Union Cab allows you to pay with the Red Card Off Campus Meal Plan. Therefore, if you have this meal plan and have an abundance of unused funds, this is a great way to pay. Both of these options lower the cost of an otherwise pricey transportation option.
Uber: A-
Uber, a popular smart phone application in cities across America, has recently come to Madison, Wisconsin. Download this application on your smartphone and receive 20 dollars towards your first few rides. Uber uses your location to determine how long the car will take to get to you. In addition, you can specify the type of car you want, depending on the number of people. Typically, an Uber car takes no more than ten minutes to arrive. When you sign up for Uber, you also receive a code to let your friends use when they download the application. This will give 20 more dollars towards your Uber rides, per friend that signs up. The only downfall is that sometimes this incentive credit does not transfer properly. However, any application comes with its fair share of technical errors.
Lyft: A
Lyft is another new smartphone application that sends cars to your location. With their signature pink mustache on the car, Lyft is sweeping through cities, including Madison. Their drivers work with a variety of charities and organizations in communities to aid them through community service as well. Once you sign up with Lyft, you receive 50 free rides for being a Lyft Pioneer, so your first two weeks of rides won’t cost you anything. Lyft takes pride in being a safe alternative to your typical cab ride. They are generally on time, and ready to drive you anywhere.
Biking: C+
While riding a bike is great exercise and allows you to get fresh air, biking in Madison can be difficult as well as dangerous. Many pedestrians in Madison do not stop for bikers, and oftentimes bikers are forced to stop short in the streets so they do not hit someone crossing. Cars and buses are another concern. The long winter also adds a challenge to outdoor transportation. It’s incredibly difficult to pedal while bundled up in a coat and scarf and the disgusting feeling of sweating through winter gear that accompanies any bike speed above a leisurely pace can disgust even the toughest rider. Although it is a faster option than walking, biking in Madison is better saved for early fall and late spring.
Overall, there are a ton of transportation options in Madison. What is important is to find the one that works best for you on that given day. By remaining safe and smart when getting around Madison, you will get to your desired location with no problems.
