The popular Bucky Bus shuttles that take fans to Badgers football games won't look the same this season, but that's the only difference riders should see.
"They'll be most likely getting on a yellow bus as opposed to a Metro Bus," said Mick Rusch, spokesman for Metro Transit, which had been providing the often-packed shuttles to Saturday football games, as well as to state high school sports tournaments at the Kohl Center and other events, such as Rhythm & Booms.
In April, city and UW-Madison officials, along with representatives of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association and other users, were scrambling to find a solution as new federal regulations halted Metro's special shuttles.
The new Federal Transit Administration rules that took effect April 20 say public transit systems should only operate regularly scheduled service open to the general public where a standard fare is charged. The change is designed to protect the interests of private bus companies that may provide shuttles.
Such companies are now taking over Metro's role in providing some 50,000 shuttle rides a year.
"They're pretty much providing the same service," Rusch said.
Kobussen Buses provided shuttles for July's Rhythm & Booms, charging $1 more than last year's $4 fare due to the increase in gasoline prices, Rusch said.
"They went in and did everything we did," Rusch said, adding, "We didn't hear one complaint."
As a courtesy, Metro is sharing its information and experience with the new service providers to ensure a smooth transition, he said.
"We went through the set-up process with Rhythm & Booms with Kobussen," Rusch said. "We will do the same with whatever vendor the university contracts. We understand the spirit of the legislation, and are trying to make a seamless transition from our service to the new service with minimal to no problems to the customers."
— Sandy Cullen
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