Well, I've just been in communication with the Metro Transit Schedule Planner, Colin Conn and the news is not good for our neighborhood. Due to the increased cost of diesel fuel, they are not able to add additional routes for 2008. It's a done deal on their part. No funding, no route. I specifically asked if the decision was based solely on funding or was there not enough interest to justify?

Here is his reply: "There has been sporadic interest in your neighborhood over the last couple of years; and now the area has been developed to the point where it behooved me to figure out route and schedule possibilities to stay ahead of the curve. Installing service was (budget wise) a clear possibility while I was in the early planning stages, and so the process moved forward. Unfortunately, the recent doubling of diesel fuel costs has nixed any idea of service expansion east of the interstate or on the far west side for that matter--where, I should point out, there has actually been a greater level of interest expressed in recent years.

I've copied your e-mails and my responses to the Metro Planning and Scheduling Manager, Sharon Persich, and would ask that if you have further concerns or comments that you communicate with her."

Sharon's email: SPersich [at] cityofmadison [dot] com