Even though the Madison Common Council voted to approve a proposed fare increase for Madison Metro services, officials say prices for student bus passes may rise regardless of the result of Wednesday's city budget debate.
A current deal between Madison Metro and the Associated Students of Madison allows the university to use segregated fees to pay the bus company at a discounted rate. The agreement will remain in effect until June 30, 2010, at which point price and terms of the deal will be renegotiated.
The proposed bus fare increase is one of the more controversial items on this year's city operating budget. Ald. Eli Judge, District 8, said there have been a large number of complaints about the fare increase.
We have been receiving far more complaints than applause when it comes to the program, not only from the general Madison residents, but also the students,"" Judge said.
""When ASM is going to renegotiate the contract for students, the rate will more than likely go up even if the amendment does not pass,"" he said.
""I am opposed to raising the fares because I think there are other objectives the city can look at when it comes to prioritizing,"" he added.
""Increasing the fares right now is perhaps not the best decision.""
Margaret Bergamini, ASM bus pass advisor, said the proposed fare increase may not immediately impact students because of the contract with Madison Metro that sets fares, however, this will impact what students will pay for bus passes in the long run.
""It's a matter of policy, it's not quote on quote free,"" Bergamini said. ""The student bus passes are currently paid for by student's segregated fees, so there is nothing free about it.""
The Transit and Parking Commission will further decide how to appropriate the fare increase between cash tickets and bus pass programs.
