Cooperation between City Hall, the Downtown Development Commission, Drew University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, The College of Saint Elizabeth, fueled by a $100,000 anti-congestion grant, has brought bus service between the schools and Madison's business district.

The bus line, known as MAD or Madison Avenue Direct, has been on the drawing boards for years and is being rolled out this week. The small bus — soon to be brightly decorated — seats 15 and wil run on a loop between the colleges and the downtown area six days a week. 

Some of the colleges prohibit cars on their campuses for residents. Drew officials said MAD was a welcome relief for commuter students using NJTransit to attend classes. 

The project is funded for three years and if succesful, officials said, the transit provider will upgrade to a larger bus. The fare is $1.50.

William Allen, who will be driving the bus, said he was impressed already by the growing ridership in the first few days of a soft roll-out.

Patch tagged along for Mayor Mary-Anna Holden's inaugural MAD ride.