To the editor:

My life and job literally depend on public transportation. I use both paratransit and fixed-route to get to the hospital three times a week for treatment of a chronic disease. I then use fixed-route transportation five times a week to get to and from my job. I suppose, without any kind of a bus system in place, I’d have to use local taxi service; the cost to the hospital and home each week would be approximately $60. The added cost to get to and from work would be approximately $100 a week.

Because of my disability I am only able to work a limited number of hours; many with my disability are unable to work at all. To use a cab to continue to and from work would actually cost more than I make. I don’t like the idea of just living off disability. I don’t want to just live off disability, but what choice would I have? Fares of $160 a week are not something I can afford.

It is important to me to at least try and give back through paying taxes, but without public transportation that will be impossible for me. I’m sure I’m not an isolated case. Please vote “yes” to save our public transportation system, to allow citizens like myself to retain their independence.

Andrew Stahmer,
Lawrence