The Bucky Bus"" is experiencing changes after a new federal law will no longer allow Madison's Metro Transit to provide the service.
Bucky Bus currently uses Madison Metro public transportation buses on Badger football Saturdays to take riders from Lot 60 at UW Hospital and Capitol Square parking garages to Camp Randall. It also runs for other city events such as Rhythm & Booms and high school athletic tournaments.
The new federal law, effective April 20, will tighten regulations on transportation use, ending Madison Metro's ability to provide the Bucky Bus service.
""Under the new rules [Bucky Bus] is considered a charter service because it doesn't offer a standard fare and doesn't run on a standard schedule,"" said George Twigg, spokesperson for Mayor Dave Cieslewicz.
According to Twigg, the mayor is meeting with UW Athletic Director Barry Alvarez and representatives from other organizations that use city buses for charter services to figure out solutions.
Most likely, the city buses would be replaced and UW Atheltics Department would instead pay a private company for the service, Twigg said.
""We also look at this as new opportunity to work with the private sector which is the spirit of this new rule,"" Mick Rusch, spokesperson for Metro Transit, said.
There are 32 private bus companies that have signed up to provide the same service as Bucky Bus. Due to the competition, Rusch does not think the bus fare will increase greatly. In the past, Bucky Bus cost riders $4 round trip.
""There will be lots of options out there for the university to negotiate with,"" Rusch said.
""Parking is so limited near the stadium, the Bucky Bus runs at capacity, the buses are always full. There is a real need to do it.""
Since the buses also run near Capitol Square, many fans are drawn to the downtown area on game days.
""Football games and sports games are wonderful traffic generators,"" said Mary Carbine, executive director of Business Improvement District.
""We certainly hope the transportation situation can be worked out.""
