Extended time periods for free parking ramps and free Madison Metro bus rides may be the key to easing downtown's winter driving woes, according to three alders from the near east isthmus.
Ald. Brenda Konkel, District 2, Ald. Marsha Rummel, District 6, and Ald. Satya Rhodes-Conway, District 12, said they gathered suggestions from their constituents and from them formulated Snow Action Days,"" a plan to reduce driving and clear the streets during snow emergencies.
""Our constituents had some good ideas,"" Rhodes-Conway said. ""We felt like it's better to take a step forward and put those ideas out there than just complain about the state of the streets.""
While no official proposal has been made, Rhodes-Conway said it's important to initiate conversation within the community to outline what actions should be taken immediately to improve street conditions, which might take more time.
In a release, Konkel noted that providing residents with more places to move their cars would greatly improve the congestion preventing plows from clearing the streets.
According to a release, ""Snow Action Days"" would make downtown city parking ramps free beginning at 9 p.m. replacing the current time of 1 a.m., providing residents with more time to remove their cars from the streets and more alternative areas to park them.
To encourage other forms of commuter transportation, Madison Metro bus rides would be free of charge and bus routes would be given priority for plowing.
Another idea incorporated into the alders' plan is to boost residents understanding of the rules in a snow emergency and inform them of alternative methods of transportation. Rummel said she hopes the city can relay this message to students through the university's mass e-mail system.
""So many new people come every year that they might not know what some of us who've lived here a long time know,"" Rummel said. ""We need to do a better job informing people what we need to do to keep the streets safe and clean for everybody.""
Rhodes-Conway said they drew inspiration for their plan from the city's Clean Air Action Days, which usually occur in summer when warm weather mixed with gas emissions make breathing conditions uncomfortable for some residents. Madison Metro bus rides are free and residents are encouraged to leave their vehicles at home during these days.
