More people will be able to take advantage of discounted taxi rides thanks to the expansion of RTC’s Washoe Senior Ride Program. Through this program, seniors may purchase coupons, called taxi bucks, to help cover the cost of taxi rides – this enables seniors to maintain their independence and mobility. The cost of a $20 booklet of taxi bucks is being reduced from $15 to $10.
The program previously also required participants be at least 65. However, the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County Board voted to lower the age requirement to 60. Under the former guidelines, a household needed to make less than $40-thousand a year. The new household income requirement is less than $45-thousand a year.
Additionally, the Board voted to open the program to all Washoe County veterans regardless of age who meet the income requirement. It is estimated there are more than 34-thousand veterans in Washoe County with five percent living at or below poverty.
“The RTC Board’s leadership is going to give so many more seniors better transportation options. More members of our community will be able to easily reach medical appoints, get groceries and visit their friends and family,” RTC Executive Director Lee Gibson said.
Those who are clients of the paratransit service RTC ACCESS, who meet the household income requirement, may buy taxi bucks regardless of their age.
