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The tough choice Atlantic County is facing right now regarding its fare-free senior-citizen transportation system is a problem that's cropping up across the state. And it illustrates the close relationship between the health of Atlantic City's casinos and the stability of many popular government programs.

Casino revenues have plummeted. Consequently, there is less money flowing into the Casino Revenue Fund for programs serving senior citizens and the disabled. Atlantic County expects $176,000 less in state funds next year for its fare-free transportation system that serves senior citizens and the disabled.

The county's transportation advisory committee recommended charging $1 per one-way trip for seniors who don't fall below the poverty level; county freeholders rejected that plan, directing the administration to find other revenues to keep the service free without cutting service.

Easier said than done. The committee recommended selling advertising space on buses, soliciting donations and trying to educate riders about other ways to get around the county. Fine ideas - but it's unclear whether they could raise anywhere near the amount of money needed. The county is pinched as well by the recession. Should taxpayers pick up the difference?

We think asking senior citizens to pay $1 per trip represents a modest, fair user fee, as long as those who fall below the poverty line are exempt. Certainly, it seems to be a better solution than making cuts to this valuable service or trying to squeeze it into an already-tight county budget.

This issue surfaced a year ago in Cumberland County as well. The Cumberland Area Transit System has been hit with cuts due to declining casino revenues. And so have other, similar services throughout the state.

A bill that's been in the Legislature for more than a year would shift another 1 percent of Casino Revenue Fund money to transportation services, from 7.5 percent to 8.5 percent. That would help, and lawmakers should pass the measure as long as it's certain that it won't take needed money from the Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled program. Funding for PAAD has been bolstered by Medicare Part D prescription-drug coverage, so it may be possible to shift funds without hurting the program.

Yes, the choices are difficult, especially when dealing with a vulnerable population such as senior citizens and the disabled.

Atlantic County is sensitive to the impact casino gambling has on its economic health. But if revenues for senior-citizen transportation and other programs continue to shrink statewide, perhaps other areas of the state will wake up to the fact that the economic health of Atlantic City casinos has a real impact on the entire state.

2 comments:

• moverightalong (116) posts 9:26 am

  Below the poverty level, what a laugh. The majority of seniors now were working before casinos, came and were paid under the table. Majority of domestic workers use to use the buses or jitneys and cabs to go to work. $1.00 is not a bad price. Everyone always feel that they should be entitled to everything for nothing. I guess they are still looking for the change!!!!!! Ashame a mind is a terrible thing to waste. Maybe the anointed one will make the change occur?????

• Joe--- (107) posts 7:56 am

  $1.00 is not too much to ask of a person who is not below the poverty level to help in keeping this very important service viable.

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