The Madison Board of Estimates met Monday to discuss the 2009 operating budget and debated a proposed 50-cent increase in the Metro Transit fare, which would put the cost of a bus ride at $2.
Mayor Dave Cieslewicz's executive budget for 2009 presents a 50-cent general bus-fare increase to raise Metro revenues and fund new programs. These include Metro service enhancements, transit for jobs, security personnel at transfer points, a marketing position and funding for Clean Air Action Days.
Amendments to the budget, sponsored by Alds. Satya Rhodes-Conway and Mike Verveer, would eliminate the fare increase and reduce spending in other areas. Rhodes-Conway said that in the past - and in other cities - when fares increase, ridership goes down.
We're creating a weaker, not a stronger, system,"" she said.
Committee members debated an amendment that would eliminate a bus-fare raise, therefore reducing funding to the programs Cieslewicz's budget supported.
Rhodes-Conway related Metro bus fare to essential city-sponsored programs.
""We make basic decisions on how often trash should be picked up, how big a pothole has to be before we fill it, when to repave roads, if snow has to be two inches before we plow, or three, or four. This is another basic decision to keep fares affordable, help citizens and better the city,"" she said.
Amanda White, a member of the Transit and Parking Commission, spoke in opposition to the fare increase.
""We face an economic crisis,"" she said. ""Now is not the time to be raising fares.""
White said if the increase passes, Madison Metro Transit will have the highest fare among its peer cities, which include Omaha, Neb., Toledo, Ohio, and Indianapolis. She also argued an increased bus fare would drive away ""choice"" riders - those with other forms of transportation - and put pressure on dependent riders to generate revenue.
Ald. Robbie Webber, District 5, said she agreed with White and thought it necessary to keep bus fares where they are to attract riders.
""We have an expanding city and population,"" she said. ""We need expanding Metro services as well.""
The committee did not pass the proposed amendment, but it will appear Tuesday before the Common Council for further discussion.
