Paratransit escapes budget cut

But fares could increase to $4 per ride, and mass bus transit fares to $1.

By DAVID DeCAMP, Times Staff Writer
Published November 28, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT Pat Mulieri is opposed to giving kids rides to unessential activities.

NEW PORT RICHEY - Money for nonprofit agencies giving rides to the poor, the blind and children temporarily escaped cuts by Pasco County Commissioners on Tuesday.

But bus fares should double March 1, and the county will impose more stringent priorities to keep its paratransit ride service at higher levels.

The commission voted 4-1 to order the steps to improve the paratransit program, which gives needy people rides to doctor's appointments, work and grocery stores. Commissioner Pat Mulieri, a member of the local Transportation Disadvantaged coordinating board, dissented.

Mulieri was opposed to giving children rides to unessential activities at the risk of fewer rides to doctor's appointments and jobs.

"I think the board has to decide what the priority is," Mulieri said.

Residents dependent on the county ride program pilloried the county after it quietly reduced service in August.

Daily trips have risen since then, but not to previous levels.

A nearly $456,000 package of changes could improve the service. But the County Commission was reluctant to endorse reductions to the $196,600 it already provides to nonprofit agencies for their transportation services. They include Catholic Charities, the Boys and Girls Club and the YMCA.

In fact, the commission asked the local transportation coordinating board to also study the opposite: adding more transportation service to relieve the county's tight finance on the program.

Connie Jackson, executive director of the Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind, said she was pleased.

"I think they're trying to include us in their decision," said Jackson, whose agency risks losing $12,000 to transport blind people to life skills classes.

With the commission's decision, Pasco County Public Transportation is supposed to scrutinize paratransit trip requests better to match priorities. Shopping trips have been limited, and requests for them could be tougher to get. The agency also is supposed to do a better job of filling driver vacancies. Without them, costlier cab services are hired.

Mass transit bus fares would go up to $1 a ride, and paratransit fares $4, if the increases are approved following a future public hearing. It would provide an estimated $163,000 for county services.

David DeCamp can be reached at ddecamp@sptimes.com or 800 333-7505, ext. 6232.

[Last modified November 27, 2007, 22:19:07]