Madison - Mayor Dave Cieslewicz announced today that taxi stand service will be offered on University Avenue starting on April 3. The service is being offered on a trial basis, and was developed in conjunction with the Mayor's office, City staff, Madison's three taxi companies, the Alcohol Policy Coordinator and the Police Department.

"This is good example of a public-private partnership to make our community safer," said Mayor Cieslewicz. "Well-placed and frequently serviced taxi stands have been shown to reduce concentrations of intoxicated patrons and improve patron safety by reducing the opportunity for crime."

Recently, Seattle developed several late-night taxi stands near their entertainment district through the "Last Call" Public Health Department initiative. Representatives from Last Call indicate that the taxi stands have been a success and have not led to any acts of violence. Like Madison, Seattle is home to several universities and has a vibrant entertainment district.

In addition to increasing patron safety, the taxi stands will assist cab companies in efficiently getting passengers into and out of the downtown area in light of the upcoming construction on State Street.

"Badger Cab is looking forward to participating in this project," said Rick Allen of Badger Cab. "It is in everyone's best interest to make this work."

The Madison taxi stand project will begin on April 3. It is starting with one taxi stand at the 600 block of University Avenue. The taxi stand will operate on a trial basis Thursday through Saturday nights from 12:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. Throughout the opening weekend, volunteers will be staffing the taxi stand. The taxi stand project will be evaluated on a regular basis and may be expanded or eliminated in the future.

The Mayor thanked Alcohol Policy Coordinator Katherine Plominski for her work in spearheading the project. The Alcohol Policy Coordinator is a two-year-old position jointly funded by the City and the University.

Contacts:
1) Katherine Plominski - Alcohol Policy Coordinator (608) 264-9295
2) Lt. Joe Balles - Madison Police Department (608) 267-1194
3) Keith Pollock - Traffic Engineering (608) 266-6537
4) John McNamara - Union Cab (608) 242-2039 x361
5) Rick Allen - Badger Cab (608) 256-1363
6) Rick Nesvacil - Madison Taxi (608) 258-7454 x107