Cab Fare Hike Will Hurt Senior Citizens

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Calling a cab is an expensive option, but it's the only one for many senior citizens who can no longer drive and need an emergency trip to the grocery store, the vet or the airport. And it may soon become out of the question if taxi drivers are granted a 20-cent rate increase, taking the per-mile fee to a full $2.

"You're isolating them even more," says Ken Venables, a spokesperson for Salt Lake County Aging Services. "What are the viable transportation options for older adults who for whatever reason can no longer drive? They are few and far between."

Venables says senior citizens are hit harder than most by higher bus and cab fares. A national AARP report finds a third of seniors over 75 rely on public transit and taxis to get around. Salt Lake City cab drivers say they need to charge more to cover the higher cost of fuel. The Salt Lake City Council seems inclined to agree.

"We want to make sure we can keep enough taxis on the road, keep enough accessibility and make it so they can make a living," says SLC Council Chair Van Turner.

If approved, Salt Lake City's $2 per mile cab fare would be eighteen cents higher than the average among Intermountain cities, but on par with rates in Denver and Las Vegas.

The Salt Lake City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed rate increase next Tuesday at 7 p.m. at City Hall.

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