After hours of discussion, Madison’s city council approved legislation to allow taxi drivers to cruise on State Street from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
According to the legislation, taxis can now drive on State Street from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. but can only cruise along the street with the intention to stop and pick up passengers for one block before they must turn off again.
Associated Students of Madison representative David Gardner said the student government’s top priority this year is safety, and students should be able to easily locate a cab when they are out on State Street late at night.
“We need to ensure that our students feel safe when they’re going to class, out on weekends or on State Street, they need to feel protected and welcome,” Gardner said.
Due to recent budget cuts, University of Wisconsin-Madison Transportation Services cut funding to SAFEcab, a nighttime cab service, in addition to altering several Metro Transit bus routes including the late night 81 route.
Associated Students of Madison Legislative Affairs Chair Dan Statter said the issue should be a “common sense decision” for city council.
“There’s no negative in ensuring that there are a plethora of responsible options available for students to get home safely,” Statter said.
Mayor Paul Soglin said the city needed to consider all the characteristics of State Street, such as the roles of local businesses and pedestrian-friendly streets instead of only resident and student safety.
Director of Planning & Community & Economic Development Steve Cover said more vehicles on State Street could detract from its unique character.
“I think by adding more vehicles and more traffic on the street, you are going to make it a less desirable street,” Cover said.
But taxi drivers said they play a part in increasing safety late at night in the downtown area by monitoring inebriated patrons.
“When I drive on State Street...and I see people who are so intoxicated they can’t walk...I want to be able to get to these people before they get to their vehicles,” Union Cab driver Dee Pachlehofer said.
According to Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, Soglin plans to veto the 10 p.m. time.
The city council will hear the ordinance again at their next meeting, and council members can override Soglin’s veto with 14 votes.
City prohibits panhandlers
Madison’s City Council approved legislation Tuesday prohibiting panhandling on State Street and in the Capitol Concourse area.
According to Madison Police Department Officer Jeff Pharo, there is a specific group of 18 people who frequently panhandle on State Street who have violated 295 city violations over the past two years. Pharo said 12 of the 18 panhandlers are felons while seven are regulars at detox.
Mayor Paul Soglin said this ordinance is necessary to curb the “profound” effect less than two dozen people are having on the city such as diminishing police and fire resources.
But Ald. Brian Solomon, District 10, who voted against the ordinance, said he is not convinced this ordinance will stop the illegal activity of those involved in panhandling.
Community members such as Monday’s bar owner Gary Garten, spoke in favor of the amendment, saying panhandling is the worst it has ever been.
