The Transit and Parking Commission addressed the future public hearing of the proposed fare increase in the Madison metro system Tuesday at a City Council meeting, in response to last week's meeting, which suggested a compromise in which the fare would be raised by 25 cents instead of the original 50-cent increase projected.
The TPC was forced to reconsider the increase after a rally ensued on Monday evening in which two-dozen opponents of the possible increase gathered in front of the Capitol voicing their concerns relating to the hearing that took place.
Since there is no legal requirement by state law for a public notice to be placed in the newspaper, City Council is given the discretion as to how to give public notice about the hearing, which raised concern among council members.
Ald. Brian Solomon, District 10, responded with assurance that there will be additional efforts in addition to the legally required notice of putting it on the agenda, such as sending mass text messages to citizens who have expressed interests in the past as well as E-mails to constituents.
Although the agenda hinted that the council would decide on a public hearing date at the meeting, the members moved to address this issue at a later date.
- Amy Rosenfeld
