Disabled people who need public transit to get around the area say a newly-approved cap on their trips is too much of a barrier for their lives.
But leaders at the RTA say they're running out of options ... as a budget crisis looms.
Under the programs known as "RAP" and "TAP," each user gets eight rides a day at two dollars per ride.
Starting in October, the fare for each ride will go up to 3-25 ... and users will be limited to 30 rides per month.
"You will be forcing me and others to stay at home," said Dr. Ayo Maat, who was one of many people urging the RTA board to find other options, before the unanimous vote during Thursday's board meeting.
"Just think if you only had 15 round trips in a month ... what you would be able to do with that," added Chernelle Lane.
RTA leaders say they're being squeezed by the fiscal cliff brought on by the end of federal COVID-19 funds ... and what Board Chair Kirk Dillard suggests is a lack of support from Springfield.
"We're the lowest-funded mass transit system from state government in America," Dillard said during the debate. "We're also the most efficient transportation system, historically, in this country.
The RTA says about five percent of "RAP" and "TAP" users exceeded the 30-ride limit.
