Sioux Falls, SD (KELO AM) - The Sioux Falls City Council has unanimously approved the first reading of a fifty cents per ride increase for paratransit buses in town.
Should the increase pass a second reading, it would mark the first hike in the paratransit fare since 1996. Councilor Rex Rolfing said according to the Consumer Price Index $2 back in 1996 is worth the same as $3.02 in 2015. Rolfing also cited the Social Security cost of living increases since 1996, saying if the city were to follow that trend the fares would be over $2.90 for a one way ride.
A second reading of the ordinance will be held on February 16th.
All of the citizens who spoke during the public input session of the meeting were against the increase, with many saying the one dollar increase for a round-trip ride will add up quickly for those on fixed incomes or who live on Social Security checks alone.