Sioux Falls, SD (KELO-AM) If approved, it would be the first fare hike for Sioux Area Metro paratransit buses in 20 years.
Kenny Anderson Jr., who has staunchly opposed paratransit increases in the past, has reluctantly proposed an increase from $2 to $2.50. He says he has talked to paratransit riders and believes that the 50 cent increase will be "digestible." He says its a compromise for proposals for much higher increases.
Anderson says the city must do something to help offset the ever-increasing costs of the paratransit service. Last August, Council approved bus fare hikes for everything but paratransit. At the time, Council wanted to protect the most vulnerable riders.
Council gets its first reading of the proposed paratransit increases Tuesday, February 9.