Saranac Lake launches ride share pilot program

SARANAC LAKE | The Village of Saranac Lake will begin accepting applications for its new Ride Share Pilot Program, Oct. 2. The program will subsidize Uber rides for individuals who are low-income, 60 years old and over, or both. The goal is to identify the need for affordable, accessible transportation in and around Saranac Lake. The program will take place for six months at first, but Village Clerk and creator of the program Amanda Hopf hopes it will highlight the transportation needs in Saranac Lake. The village has $20,000 budgeted for the vouchers. Hopf said there has never been a program like this in Saranac Lake. Currently, the only public transportation is the Southern Franklin County bus, which is only available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. and must be scheduled 24 hours in advance. To receive the vouchers, individuals will start by filling out an application. If they meet the income and/or age requirements, the village will send them the vouchers for what they estimate will be 50 percent of their ride costs for the month. Rides must start in Saranac Lake and go no farther than 20 miles. Although the pilot program will focus on Uber rides, Hopf hopes to work with local taxi companies eventually. In the future, there is state funding the village could apply for to expand the program if the need is there. Hopf also hopes it will encourage more Uber drivers in the village. "I think if we can get the right amount of Uber drivers that will definitely help everyone, not just low-income and senior citizens," she said.

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Saranac Lake launches ride share pilot program

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