In what he described as one of the most difficult decisions in the 2009 budget, Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz announced Thursday that he will raise bus fares by 50 cents in an effort to expand the Metro bus service.
An incredible rise in fuel costs has taken its toll on Metro's budget. A 25-cent increase would have been necessary just to maintain current service levels,"" Cieslewicz said in a statement.
""The additional 25 cents will allow Metro to expand services, increase security at transfer points, enhance ridership through increased marketing, double programs that help low-income riders afford bus fares and create a reserve to guard against future fuel increases.""
In addition to the fare increase, the mayor also vowed to keep all city libraries open and staffed through his budget. Cieslewicz's complete budget proposal will be presented to the Common Council Tuesday, and the council is scheduled to vote on the proposal the week of Nov. 11.
