Utah Transit Authority officials are seeking input for proposed rate hikes.

This page is happy to comply: The plan to raise the fair 25 cents a ride — from $1 to $1.25 — for adults is equitable. But proposals that would double or triple fares for those who can least afford it, the disabled, should be abandoned.

As noted in an editorial on Aug. 14, this page is not against a transit fare increase. Considering that the last fare increase occurred in 1997 and given UTA's ambitious expansion plans, a fair increase is within order.

However, the increases need to be reasonable. When it comes to riders with special needs, the proposed increases are not only unreasonable, they border on being ludicrous.

Those disabled who require paratransit transportation — a customized service —would see their fee increase from $1 to $2.50 over the next three years — going up 50 cents per year. That is a 150 percent hike. Many if not most of those using that service are on fixed incomes. Because of their conditions, they have limited transportation alternatives.

For disabled who are able to use regular transportation, they still will have a much higher percentage increase than the non-disabled. Their proposed fare goes from 35 cents to 50 cents next year and to 60 cents in 2003, close to double the current charge.

Monthly pass proposals again are particularly hard on the disabled, going from $11 to $22 in 2004, a 100 percent increase. The disabled who use the paratransit service would have to pay almost triple for a monthly pass in 2004, going from $32 to $90.

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The monthly pass increase for adults is much more reasonable, going from $32 to $40 next year and $45 in 2003 and 2004.

Fares cover less than 20 percent of UTA's operating expenses. Understandably, officials would like them to contribute more to UTA's overall budget. But there needs to be a balance between fare increases and service.

The balance appears to be fair regarding regular adult fares. It is woefully out of kilter, however, when it comes to bus riders who require special service.

All phases of society should give those with special needs a break. Up to now, the Utah Transit Authority has been doing that. It needs to continue to do so.

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