BY BRADEN CARTWRIGHT
Daily Post Staff Writer
Palo Alto City Council has voted to extend the city’s Uber-like rideshare service for another six months after getting dozens of emails from residents in support.
The contract extension will cost the city $500,000 while transportation planners look for a grant or a company that could make the service financially sustainable beyond June 30.
Before the meeting, resident Alex Van Riesen said his special needs son volunteers at the VA Hospital with the help of an aide, serving coffee and treats to patients and visitors.
Because of the rideshare service, called Palo Alto Link, Van Reisen’s son can volunteer five days a week. He uses the $2 discounted rate for disabled riders, compared to $40 for an Uber.
“I cannot express to you how much it means to his mother and me that our son, who will never be able to live unsupervised, can go to ‘work’ every day and have a meaningful way to contribute to our community,” Van Reisen said. “We would not be able to provide this for him, at least not affordably, without Palo Alto Link.”