Commissioner Margaret Gómez sent a clear message that she would oppose efforts to attempt to raise Capital Metro fares for seniors and disabled riders. While she supported the fare increase, Commissioner Gómez believes it would be unwise to raise the fare on seniors and disabled citizens at this time.

From the Statesman story about Commissioner Gómez’s fight for an exemption for senior and disabled riders:

The Capital Metro board could vote as early as Nov. 9 to enact bus fare increases in early February, six months ahead of schedule, and to begin charging 25 cents for single rides for seniors and people with disabilities.

However, board Chairwoman Margaret Gómez issued a news release Wednesday recommending that the new charges for those 65 and older and for people with disabilities be dropped from the fare increase. Those riders currently ride for free.

“I do not believe we should balance the agency’s budget on the backs of elderly and disabled citizens,” Gómez said.

Commissioner Gómez expects the exemption will be approved at the November 4 meeting. The response from the community, especially Precinct 4 constituents, has been overwhelming: they are against a fare increase on senior and disabled riders.

Did you miss Commissioner Gómez’s post on Burnt Orange Report about the exemption?