TAXI-COUPON SYSTEM HAS SERVED THE CITY WELL

As the old saying goes: If it's not broke, don't fix it. It's good advice for Cape Girardeau's transportation system. The current taxi-coupon program is serving Cape Girardeau well.

The Southeast Missouri Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission this week presented a transit study to the Cape Girardeau City Council. Among the transportation options suggested by the study was revival of a fixed or flexible-route mini-bus system. We feel dredging up this bus debate would be a mistake. If additional transit needs exist in the city, we should modify or expand the current taxi-coupon program. A city bus system would cost taxpayers far more, with considerably less service delivered.

The city has operated a successful contracted taxi-coupon system since 1982. City contributions are matched by state and federal dollars. This year, the city will spend $70,845. Grants match that amount dollar by dollar. An additional $101,760 is generated through coupon sales. There's no question the city receives considerable bang for its buck. This local taxpayer investment of just over $70,000 will translate into 91,680 coupons this year.

The program's door-to-door service lies at the heart of its local success story. This is especially true for the elderly and handicapped, who are by far the greatest participants. During the first eight months of this year, monthly coupon sales have averaged about 850 for elderly and handicapped at a cost of $1 each. The city also sells about 55 coupons to the general public each month at $2 each. All participants are limited monthly to two books of eight coupons each.

Each coupon permits the rider a one-way trip anywhere within the city limits. Kelley Transportation is paid $2.50 per trip by the city. The taxi firm also deserves credit in making the program run smoothly.

In January, Southeast Missouri State University entered the city transit scene. It is offering 3,750 coupons for 50-cents to students this semester. This lower-cost coupon is subsidized by student fees and state grant money. No city money is allocated. The university is also looking at adding a shuttle service between parking lots, which may utilize this grant money as well.

The debate over a city bus system is nothing knew. It was a reoccurring and often heated theme of city council meetings from the mid-1970s to the early 1980s. Councilmen came close to approving a bus system on several occasions. But high costs and usage worries continued to nag at city leaders. A city bus system operated for about 28 years the last run ended in May of 1969. The service was abandoned due to lack of business.

The planning commission study says the disadvantage of the current system is that it doesn't meet general transportation needs. But while a fixed bus system would serve considerably more people, it would greatly increase the city's commitment. The commission estimates the city's share would be around $282,000 or more.

The current system certainly is the most cost-effective to reach the elderly and handicapped. Granted, only about 12 percent of the tickets are allocated to the general public. But why change the system when there's been no great outcry for increased service? If that happens, the city could consider expanding its current grant. This particular program allow for up to $114,000 in matching grants. We understand the city's reluctance to expand the program too quickly, as state and federal grants hold no future guarantee. Cities are still stinging from the loss of federal revenue sharing.

The city has been re~sponsive to concerns in the program over the past decade. The numbers of coupons available has grown - eliminating the long lines that once plagued the city at the start of every month. The program was expanded this year, and city leaders feel demand should match the coupons available.

The regional planning commission called the city taxi-coupon service a "commendable effort," adding that it is "one that deserves to be continued." We concur. If the city shifted to a bus system, it could no longer afford the current level of taxi coupons. That would hurt the people who need this service most. We feel city attention should focus on fine tuning the current taxi-coupon program - and detour another look at a city bus system.