The city's Transit and Parking Commission voted against raising Madison Metro bus fares from $1.50 to $2 at its meeting Tuesday, despite the 50-cent increase's support from Mayor Dave Cieslewicz.
Several city residents spoke prior to the decision, many in opposition to the price raise.
Amongst these was Aaron Love, who said he would have difficulty paying for bus rides if the increase was implemented.
I heard that there was going to be a increase in price for the daily bus rides, I don't really make a lot of money so I kind of figured for myself if it comes to a $2 fee then I may think about waking up earlier to walk in the mornings to go to work,"" Love said, adding he would be walking eight miles one way if faced with the increase.
Steve Hartley, chief of staff for the Madison Metropolitan School District, noted that the Metro system is the primary way of transportation for students in both middle and high school. Hartley said 43 percent of the students in these schools qualify for free or reduced lunch, as well as bus passes supplied from the district.
Hartley said the district pays over $1 million per year currently for bus passes for its students, and said the fare increase could impact the cost greatly.
To appease daily commuters, a plan to reduce the price of the monthly bus pass was introduced which would increase cash flow, and would not affect those who pay per ride.
After several hours of debate, the committee decided against increasing the fare, which had originally been proposed by Cieslewicz. While many Madison Metro customers will be satisfied, the commission now faces possible service cuts as it currently faces a $682,000 deficit.
