Police officers used a Madison Metro bus to transport Republican senators out of the state Capitol after they approved parts of Gov. Scott Walker's "budget-repair bill" in a hastily called session Wednesday night.
At around 6:30 p.m., police asked Madison Metro for the use of a bus to transport the senators. Chuck Kamp, transit general manager, says "I wouldn't use the word 'commandeered.' They requested in no uncertain terms that there was an urgent situation, and we cooperated."
Kamp says buses are often requested for public safety reasons. He gives the example of an apartment fire during winter when "we're requested to provide a warming bus."
While Kamp says the use of the bus was appropriate, he adds that the city has been requested to look at the legality, and that City Attorney Michael May is doing so. May could not be reached for comment.
Kamp says he does not know where the bus went.
Isthmus has requested video from the bus' camera, but it has not yet been made available. However, a bystander caught video of the senators making their getaway.
