PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Gov. Gina Raimondo is asking the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority to consider alternatives as it plans to eliminate no-fare bus passes for people with low incomes aged 65 or older and people with certain disabilities.
The plan set for a vote on Monday would require riders with disabilities or over age 65 to pay half fare, which is $1.00 per trip. Income would not be considered.
The proposal is opposed by advocates for the poor and disabled who estimate that more than 13,000 riders will lose free passes.
Raimondo weighed in Monday with a statement calling on the authority board to delay the increase until July or limit the new fare to 50 cents instead of $1.00.
Members of the board have said the current system is not sustainable.
