Disabled riders protest proposed UTA hikes

SOUTH SALT LAKE — Disabled users of the Utah Transit Authority's paratransit service are protesting a plan to cut services and raise fares.

Dozens of riders packed a Wednesday public meeting in wheelchairs, walkers and with assistance dogs to remind officials that UTA's flextran buses are a lifeline to independence.

UTA wants to raise the $2.50 one-way paratransit fare to $4. That's twice as much as a regular fare adult ticket for a bus or light rail. Paratransit provides door-to-door service by a wheelchair-accessible van.

The agency also wants to end service beyond three-quarters of a mile from a bus line or rail station.

The slowing economy has cut the revenues to fund the service by more than $18 million.

UTA makes about $500,000 paratransit trips each year.