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http://www.omniture.com --> Email Story to a Friend June 9, 2006 A group of disabled patrons, including Thom Hamilton, right, at podium, addressed the Rogue Valley Transportation District�s board about the consequences of doubling fares and eliminating the route to Rogue Valley Medical Center. (Mail Tribune / Roy Musitelli) Battling for transportation By Damian Mann Mail Tribune People in wheelchairs, blind people, seniors and social workers expressed dismay Thursday at Rogue Valley Transportation District's plans to double fares, cut a bus route to Jackson County's largest hospital, and reduce transit options for elderly and disabled people. "You're doubling the price and eliminating a service — that seems a bit confusing to me," said Medford senior Bob Swartz at a public hearing in Medford on the budget proposals. Facing a $1.2 million shortfall, RVTD has proposed eliminating Route 4, which goes to Rogue Valley Medical Center. Eliminating the bus route would also mean that Valley Lift transportation service for the elderly and disabled would be lost for 86 people along the route. RVTD might also discontinue its practice of picking up Valley Lift customers beyond the three-quarter mile limit along its other routes, which would affect 99 more disabled and elderly people. In addition, standard fares on other bus routes would increase from $1 to $2, and Valley Lift customers would see fares rise from $2 to $4 for each one-way ride. Ed Chapman, RVTD board chair, tried to explain to the 50 people at the meeting that increased ridership in Valley Lift actually ends up costing RVTD more money because the transit district subsidizes each ride to the tune of $13. "Although we're pleased to see the ridership increase, we cringe to see the costs increase," Chapman said. Ax Princ, a blind Ashland resident, said, "I don't think I can afford that if I have to pay $8 every time to travel both directions." Audience members said that eliminating Valley Lift would make it more difficult for people with disabilities to seek medical treatment. Karen McEwen of Renal Care Consultants said 10 percent of patients who need kidney dialysis rely on Valley Lift. "We have a social obligation to the people who are disabled," she said. Paula Schranz, also of Renal Care Consultants, added, "For the patients going to dialysis is life or death." Thom Hamilton, who has cerebral palsy, said he depends on Valley Lift to take him to doctors whose offices are clustered around RVMC. "These are the only doctors who will take care of me and my needs," he said. Hamilton said a member of RVTD's staff told him that he would just have to find another doctor once the route is cut. Chapman, who apologized to the audience because the auditorium couldn't adequately handle wheelchairs, said he hoped the RVTD employee was trying to be fair to Hamilton, but added, "You have my apology." RVTD General Manager Peter Jacobsen said the district has been working with local agencies to see if there might be some way to provide rides to residents who might not have Valley Lift. RVTD is also looking at the possibility of a local payroll tax to help pay for services. The RVTD board will likely make a decision on the new fees and route eliminations at 5:30 p.m., June 28 at the Jackson County Courthouse auditorium, 10 S. Oakdale Ave., Medford. Jacobsen and board members all said it was going to be a difficult decision to make. "I've been in this business for 25 years, and this is the worst I've seen," said Jacobsen. Corinee Vieville, a blind Medford resident, said eliminating Valley Lift along Route 4 will hurt some of the people that need the most help in the valley. "They are going to be shut-ins," she said. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476 or [email protected] . Advertisement s Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker Custom Build Computers Discount Hotel Reservations --> online casinos news Ashley Furniture HomeStore Send Flowers California Casinos GMAT Prep Windermere Van Vleet Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Entertainment Guide --> Online Casino Fundraisers Sudoku Online Casinos Canada Online Pharmacy