
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, August 24, 1995                   TAG: 9508240082
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: DAN CASEY
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

VALLEY METRO ID DEADLINE APPROACHES

Senior citizens eligible for reduced fares on Valley Metro will have to pay a little up front to keep getting discounted rides, Valley Metro said this week.

A new program beginning Sept. 1 requires seniors and disabled citizens to buy Valley Metro-issued identification cards in order to receive reduced fares.

Under the current fare structure, seniors are charged 60 cents for a one-way ride that otherwise costs $1.25. The same discount applies to disabled people regardless of age. Currently, any form of proof of age is allowed for getting the discount.

The identification cards are being required to help eliminate confusion for bus drivers and inconvenience for passengers, said Stephen Mancuso, general manager of the taxpayer-subsidized bus company. They will be sold for a one-time fee of $2.50.

The process of photographing all discount fare passengers began in Roanoke, Salem and Vinton last March.

Photos for the new cards are taken Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 to 11 a.m at Valley Metro's Campbell Court headquarters. Recipients are given two "free ride" passes with each card.

Seniors seeking the cards should bring proof of age. Disabled people must have an Easter Seal card or a statement from a doctor noting their disability.

by CNB