| I have submitted the following to the Austin American-Statesman in response to their editorial last Saturday criticizing the stand several of my fellow Capital Metro board members and I have taken on a fare increase exemption for senior and disabled citizens. The Austin American-Statesman editorial board wrote on Saturday that my work to exempt senior and disabled citizens from Capital Metro's fare increase did not show leadership. Earlier this month, the same editorial board praised me for deciding federal stimulus dollars intended for rail projects should not be used to delay fare increases that would eventually go up. The editorial board now says that working to exempt seniors and disabled citizens from the fare increase is "hedging."
Deciding to raise fares is never easy, but this time we knew it was a necessity if we wanted to maintain current levels of service. I am hopeful that raising fares will help Capital Metro better fulfill its mission to provide an efficient and affordable system of public transportation that the people of Travis County can depend on and be proud of.
While a base fare increase is unavoidable, raising fares on seniors and disabled citizens is a separate issue. Currently, they ride Capital Metro buses for free. I believe it should stay that way, and that we can avoid increasing the burden on an already vulnerable population while still putting Capital Metro on a path towards financial stability. I've been involved with government for a long time, but rarely have I been criticized for working on behalf of seniors and disabled people. There is nothing political about this. It is simply the right thing to do.
The community reaction to the fare proposal has been loud and clear. People do not believe fares should be raised for seniors or disabled riders at this time. As a public, taxpayer funded agency, we cannot ignore public input when making changes to the agency’s fare structure. My parents taught me at a young age that leadership means standing up for those who cannot always stand up for themselves. This is what first attracted me to public service. Leadership also means listening to your constituents. At this time, it is just not wise to raise fares on the most vulnerable. I commend my fellow board members for joining me in support exempting seniors and disabled citizens from the fare increase. I am confident that my proposed exemption will pass and that the senior and disabled riders who rely on Capital Metro every day will have one less burden to worry about. |
