Task Force Looking at Paratransit Service

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The city bus service in Sioux Falls is looking to nonprofit groups to help reduce some of the costs of a program that picks up people with disabilities at their door.

The Argus Leader reports that Sioux Area Metro spends nearly half its $7 million annual budget on Paratransit. Officials say a reduction in service is necessary to avoid spiraling into debt.

A 20-member transit task force is working to help the city and nonprofit organizations figure out the roles they can play in providing rides for those in need.

City transportation planner Sam Trebilcock says nonprofits all have different ways that they're providing service and for different reasons. He says he's trying to find ways to give them the ability to do more of it.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.