Muni Looks at Improving Lifeline PassPaul Hogarthbyline‚ May. 20‚ 2008As the Supervisors vote on the Muni Budget for fiscal years 2008-09 and 2009-10 (which would raise fares during the second year), the MTA’s Governance Committee has instructed staff to develop a proposal improving the Lifeline Pass. Created in 2005 to help low-income, transit-dependent riders, the $35-a-month pass has proven inadequate because (a) the discount is minimal, (b) the pass does not work on BART, (c) the income cut-offs leave many working people behind and (d) even buying the pass can be a challenge. Ensuring that low-income people can access transit must be a priority – and the economic slump coupled with higher rents makes it even more urgent. As the MTA plans to use Prop A funds to hire more staff and make more efficient routes, those who depend on Muni cannot be left behind. |