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SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah (AP) -- Disabled users of the Utah Transit Authority's paratransit service are protesting a plan to cut services and raise fares.
Dozens of riders packed a Wednesday public meeting in wheelchairs, walkers and assistance dogs to remind officials that UTA's flextran buses are a lifeline to independence.
UTA wants to raise the $2.50 one-way paratransit fare to $4. That's twice as much as a regular fare adult ticket for a bus or light-rail. Paratransit provides door-to-door service by a wheelchair-accessible van.
The agency is also wants to end service beyond three-quarters of a mile from a bus line or rail station.
The slowing economy has cut the revenues to fund the service by more than $18 million.
UTA makes about $500,000 paratransit trips each year.
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Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
