Bus Pass negotiations gather Administrative support

by Matthew Dolbey

Campus Editor

University of Wisconsin chancellor John Wiley said he would offer his help in bus-pass negotiations if invited by UW students negotiating for the Associated Students of Madison student bus-pass program with Madison Metro.

“[ASM representatives] told me they were having some trouble in negotiating the next agreement … and I offered help if possible,” Wiley said in an e-mail to The Badger Herald.

Wiley also said in the e-mail that he contacted Vice Chancellor Darrell Bazzell, who was responsible for the faculty and staff agreement for city bus services, and Special Assistant to the Chancellor LaMarr Billups, and both offered their personal and staff support and help if necessary.

Although it is unclear at this time how UW staffers would foster negotiations, their assistance can be arranged.

“It appears we stand ready for help,” Wiley said.

Janell Wise, one of the ASM negotiators, said she believes the student bus program not only benefits students, but offers advantages to all who work for UW as well.

“I’m confident that not only the students like the program and think the program is great, but I think the program does serve some of the university’s goals for students,” Wise said. “I really feel like this program is good for both the administration and good for the students.”

Sources close to the negotiations told the Herald that Madison Metro proposed between a 60 and 70 percent increase for next year’s student bus pass paid for by student segregated fees. This would effectively mean students would have to pay up to $2.72 million per year, up from the $1.6 million students now pay. UW students account for 25 percent of riders on Madison Metro buses.

If an agreement suitable for students is not reached, the student negotiators would walk out of the talks, according to sources. This would eliminate ASM’s most popular student service.

SSFC Chair Aaron Werner, a UW student not involved with the bus-pass negotiations, said students should not have to put up with the city’s highballing.

“If there is a 60 to 70 percent increase [in the contract], students should walk out,” Werner said.