The Scotts Bluff County Commissioners Monday approved proposed increases in the county's HandyBus rates. The unanimous vote by the board means that effective July 1st the rates in Scottsbluff and Gering will go up from $1 to $1.50 per trip, Mitchell & Melbeta would double from $1.50 to $3 and Lyman and Morrill would go from $2 to $4.

Two people voiced their objection during a public hearing. Carroll Mohrbutter, one of the disabled who rely on the service, said the increase should be less than proposed. Eduardo Romero suggested the elderly and disabled should receive a discounted rate, which the commissioners said they could not do under federal regulations.

Federal and state funding support 75% of the cost for the Handy Bus program But even with revenue from the current fees the county's taxpayers kicked in $54,000 in the current budget year to help cover the county's 25% of the cost. With the fees approved Monday, the taxpayer share in the next fiscal year is projected to drop to $3,100.

Commissioner Doug Leafgreen said the program should be supported more by what he called a "user fee". Board member Ken Meyer said the program was the best public transportation alternative available and could not be a burden to taxpayers.

Operations Director Carol Prince says ninety percent of those who use the Handy Bus are in Scottsbluff and Gering.