GILROY
– Citing continuing financial difficulties due to the economic
decline, the county’s bus and light-rail agency is proposing
another increase in transit fares and is also considering
modifications to the way paratransit service works.
GILROY – Citing continuing financial difficulties due to the economic decline, the county’s bus and light-rail agency is proposing another increase in transit fares and is also considering modifications to the way paratransit service works.
Under the current proposals, seniors and disabled riders will see the largest fare increases across-the-board – with costs for rides and passes doubling in some cases – as well as some reduced service.
But those changes would come off the top of historically “deep, deep” discounts and enhanced levels of paratransit service that are above Americans With Disabilities Act mandates, said VTA spokeswoman Lupe Solis.
For example, VTA paratransit drivers go beyond federal mileage requirements and help riders in and out of their homes and destinations. A group of business interests that reviewed VTA operations suggested the changes.
“VTA provides certain premium paratransit services that substantially exceed (federal) requirements …” Solis said. “Since they’re not mandated by the ADA, the business review team suggested it’s reasonable that customers share equally in providing those services.”
But not all observers agree with that rationale, noting many seniors and disabled live on fixed incomes and are unable to drive a car.
“To double the price of a monthly ticket – particularly in the middle of a recession – is to place another barrier to independent living,” said Eugene Bradley of the VTA Riders’ Union, an advocacy group not affiliated with the VTA.
Under current proposals – which are not final – senior and disabled one-way rides would rise 30 cents, double those of counterpart adult or youth fares. A day pass for the elderly or disabled would also rise $1 – double the 50 cents others will see – and monthly passes would double to $22 while age groups would see rises of $3-$7.
Paratransit rates would also rise – and services would change. For example, service could go from door-to-door to curb-to-curb and extend only to ADA-defined minimums within a 3/4-mile corridor of bus and light-rail service. And riders would not be able to schedule trips if their accounts drop below $15.
The price changes could go into effect in August if approved by the agency’s board of directors June 5, with service changes phased to start in September.
The South County meeting to comment on fare changes is scheduled for April 8 at 2 p.m. at Morgan Hill City Hall, Council Chambers 17555 Peak Ave.
A local meeting to discuss proposed cuts to service for the elderly and disabled is slated for April 30 at 2 p.m. in the Gilroy City Council chambers, 7351 Rosanna St.
Those times have also drawn some protest from Bradley, who said some meetings are held at times guaranteed to minimize the number of affected riders who can attend.
“The meeting is at a time when many residents in South County are still at work or school,” he said of the April 8 event.
But Solis said most people in previous comment meetings attended in the afternoon, rather than the evening.
“That’s why we went ahead to schedule it at that time,” she said.
Meanwhile, riders can also comment in other ways. Comments are welcome by phone at 321-2300 or at (800) 894-9908; hearing impaired (TDD only): 321-2330; fax: 321-7535; e-mail: cu**************@vt*.org; or through the agency’s Internet site at: www.vta.org.
Written comments should be sent to: VTA Customer Service, 3331 North First Street, Building B, San Jose, CA 95134-1927.
Comments on paratransit service must be received by May 7 to be included in a final report presented to the VTA Board of Directors.
More information on other meetings is available on the VTA Internet site at www.vta.org.
