At a recent Burlington town meeting, members present approved a pilot program that would subsidize various types of transportation options.
The members approved a program in the amount of $50,000 to subsidize Uber, Lyft, taxi, and GoGoGrandparent rides for low-income individuals, people with disabilities, and the elderly. These individual rides would take the place of the bus service known as the B-Line.
According to John Sanchez, the director of public works, there are days when only 40 people in total ride the bus. Subsidizing individual rides would serve more people, and be more economical for Burlington. Although some members were not in favor of the measure, it passed easily. Flyer printing can be used to create material explaining issues like this to residents.
Sanchez added that providing the subsidies means it's likely the town will only break even, but the system will provide customers with better service. The B-Line is due to be shut down next year, and the $50,000 will come out of the funds currently used to operate the bus.
However, one regular bus rider pointed out that not everybody has a cellphone they can use to book a Lyft or an Uber, and there are not always enough taxis available. Others expressed concern that taking the bus off the street and replacing it with individual vehicles could create traffic problems. GoGoGrandparent charges a small fee to book and monitor rides with Lyft and Uber for those who do not have smartphones.
