Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, May 19, 1994 TAG: 9405190170
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By CAMERON HUDDLESTON STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
``We have a real positive reaction,'' Valley Metro General Manager Steve Mancuso said. ``The comments we have received have been predominantly supportive.''
About 80 bus riders have already written to Mancuso to express their opinions about the basic one-trip fare increase from $1 to $1.25, which could take effect July 11 if approved by the board of directors. The basic monthly pass would increase $8, from $32 to $40. The increase would cover the cost of operating buses for an additional two hours Monday through Saturday.
``I'm not going to gripe about a $1.25 fare,'' said Sharen Lee, of 31112 Honeywood Lane. ``I think it's fortunate we have the buses in Roanoke.''
Of the 25 to 30 bus riders present for the hearing at Valley Metro's main office at 1108 Campbell Ave. S.E., most were disabled or elderly. Although those present supported an increase in bus fares in return for extended service, several of the disabled bus riders complained about Valley Metro's decision to discontinue Star monthly passes.
Star service, which operates like a taxi, makes 22,000 trips yearly to transport disabled people. Mancuso said it was not practical to provide Star users with unlimited passes. Every time the Star service is used, operating costs increase, he said. The cost to operate one Star trip is $10.70, but riders only pay $1.50.
If the Valley Metro board approves the proposed fare increases, Star riders will pay $2 per trip as of July, and $2.50 at the same time next year.
Despite the proposed discontinuance of Star monthly passes, Valley Metro is taking steps to cater to the disabled. Valley Metro will be getting 18 new buses in July to replace older ones that are not wheelchair-accessible. That means 28 out of 38 buses will be accessible to people in wheelchairs, allowing them greater use of the bus system.
However, Mancuso said citizens' comments Wednesday influenced him to reconsider Star monthly passes. Mancuso and the Valley Metro staff will review all comments before recommending the fare and service increase proposal to the budget committee in two weeks. The committee will then present a recommendation to the board June 27.
by CNB