By Jonnel LiCarl Wisconsin State Journal Bus service in Madison will be eliminated on holidays, weekends and weekdays after 6 p.m. because of reduced state transit aid, Mayor Paul Soglin said Thursday. The changes are more drastic than the city had initially predicted. Although the Senate must approve the cuts, Soglin said the city has to plan its own budget and can't wait for a Senate decision before making service changes.
Drivers have to learn new routes.
The Senate is slated to vote Nov. 7. The City Council votes on the city budget Nov. 14. Riders waiting for buses on the Capitol Square Thursday afternoon were stunned by the proposed cuts. Last year, 9.6 million people rode buses. Soglin also said the meager increase in local road aids in the Assembly bill will not offset the increased wear on city roads from the additional cars on the street.