The idea of a downtown rapid taxi service has been introduced to replace the missing services from SAFEcab after it was discontinued last summer.

Ald. Scott Resnick, District 8, recently proposed the idea of a new taxi service downtown and said it would be highly successful for students and residents of the city.

Resnick said the administrative decision, which came under UW Transportation Services, to end SAFEcab was a “detriment” to students.

“SAFEcab itself was a utilized service, particularly for students who lived far from campus,” Resnick said. “During peak hours and winter months, students would use this to get home safely.”

Resnick said the university has not said SAFEcab will be brought back or that they will introduce a supplementary program. He added his idea of a downtown rapid taxi service was the first attempt to replace the services of SAFEcab.

In an email to The Badger Herald, Resnick said the taxi service would run between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m.

Students and young professionals in the downtown area would be able to utilize the taxi service for a flat fee inside a zone, including the tip to the cab driver, Resnick said. He added the taxi service would cover the immediate downtown area, extending from Blair Street to all of campus.

Resnick said in an email the flat fee for a ride would be $5 in the central zone of the city and that the cost to the city would be minimal. He added guests could reach taxis through phone pickup or by hailing one.

Another benefit to the idea of a taxi service is multiple students would be able to ride together on the program, Resnick said.

“Let’s say a cab leaves from Lakeshore and goes to the Overture Center,” Resnick said. “If they found someone wanting to ride in between, they could pick them up.”

He said one of his concerns is someone who may or may not be intoxicated or walking alone still might not take advantage of the taxi.

Resnick said a pilot program for the downtown rapid taxi service could be introduced this spring. He said he will give updates to the public as the service progresses.

Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said any program that could help fill the void of SAFEcab would be helpful. He added for students, the current alternatives to SAFEcab, such as SAFEbus and SAFEwalk, are not viable options for some students due to certain restrictions.

“I am concerned about SAFEcab being discontinued, it is very troubling,” Verveer said. “Many students were taken by surprise by the decision, and if there was anything the city could do to help, I think we should do it.”

He added he is concerned a student will be the victim of a crime that could have been prevented by SAFEcab.

Verveer said he hopes those who made the decision to end SAFEcab will work to rectify the situation. He added that he and other city officials were not involved in the elimination of SAFEcab.