NEWS
Metro seeks expanded regional routes
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by Darryl Schnell
Friday, September 16, 2005
Due to insufficient city funds, the Madison Metro transit system is looking toward state and regional funding to help deal with increasing gas prices as a result of Hurricane Katrina.
Madison Metro General Manager Catherine Debo discussed funding with the City of Madison Downtown Coordinating Committee at a meeting Thursday.
"Fuel prices have been a big problem for us. We're now paying $2.31 per gallon, higher than the cost has ever been," Debo said. "The increase raises the net cost to the City of Madison $700,000. The mayor told me the city could provide only $250,000."
In terms of the transit system, Hurricane Katrina has been a double-edged sword. Increasing gas prices have led to a boost in the number of Metro users, but have also led to increased costs for the bus service.
Debo said the difference in funding would result in 8,000 fewer service hours, making it difficult for Metro to provide enough service as more people ride the bus.
"I want funding stability for Madison Metro," Debo said. "More funding will help us maintain and improve our service."
According to Debo, a governmental presence for transit companies would be crucial to help support Metro.
"We need a Regional Transit Authority," Debo said. "An RTA could enact legislation to increase Metro funding from other areas."
Debo said there is a lot of untapped regional money available for Madison Metro, but the company needs to have access to it.
Despite funding concerns, Madison Metro remains on top of its game and is committed to continue high quality service, according to Debo.
"We have a transit system that provides more trips per capita than any other system," Debo said. "And even though we are worried about money, we don't turn anyone away from our buses."
Paul Haskew, a member of the committee, suggested Metro increase advertising if the company still wants to increase passengers.
"We should do something to market transit more aggressively to fill the seats," Haskew said. "I think it's only a matter of spreading the word of how beneficial public transportation can be."
Madison Metro will also look into providing an alternative Capitol loop and expanding their system into neighboring cities.
"Right now, we're looking at implementing a wider loop around Capitol Square," Debo said. "Current square routes are not available two-thirds of the weekends, so an alternative route will make it easier for people to get across the city."
Raising awareness of the advantages of Metro is a priority for the expanding company. Debo said necessary funding would give Metro the ability to expand within the city and into neighboring communities.
Metro may include this new route in 2006, Debo added.
The cities of Verona, Sun Prairie and Oregon are interested in the Metro transit system. According to Debo, this type of expansion may aid Metro in its quest to generate sources of regional money.
Debo said Verona will have an operating Metro system Sept. 19. Sun Prairie's and Oregon's are farther down the road. Metro expects to serve Sun Prairie in 2006 and Oregon in 2007.
