Fewer than a dozen people showed up to the afternoon hearing at UTA headquarters - another hearing is scheduled tonight in downtown Salt Lake City - but those who did complained about the impacts the fare hikes will have for those on fixed incomes. And there were more gripes about the agency's proposed changes to its paratransit service.

UTA has proposed eliminating the unlimited monthly pass for its Flextrans service in favor of a paratransit "punchcard" that would come in 30- or 60-ride increments.

Some people said Flextrans drivers will be wasting time to punch the cards. It may also make some people with disabilities, who carry their cards around their neck, feel uneasy about having a stranger get close to them to punch their card. And other people with disabilities, such as those who are blind, might lose the card without realizing it.

"It would be a major inconvenience," said Trent Florence, a blind West Jordan resident who uses the current pass. "It would be unfair and place more burdens on us."

UTA has proposed increasing existing fares beginning in July, hiking the current adult cash fare from the current $1.50 to $1.60. That would be boosted again to $1.75 in January and to $2 beginning in 2009.

An adult monthly pass would be increased from the current $50 to $53.50 in July; then up to $58.50 in January and $67 in 2009.

Fares for FrontRunner, the commuter rail line that will run from Pleasant View to downtown Salt Lake City, have been proposed to start at $2.50 to travel from one station to another, with a maximum one-way fare of $5.50.

UTA officials, during their initial 15-minute presentation, said they need the fare increases to continue improving the transit system, as well as to cover the increase in fuel prices.

Most of those who attended Wednesday's hearing called the proposed fare hikes reasonable for the average commuter. But they expressed concern about those at the bottom of the economic ladder.

"I don't think it should be that drastic," said Marianne Fisher, a blind Midvale resident who uses public transportation.

Salt Lake City resident Laura Litnack called the proposal "fair." It took her some 100 minutes to get to the hearing by taking the bus and TRAX.

"Overall, I think UTA is doing great for the [people with] disabilities and senior citizens," said Litnack, who is disabled.

Wednesday's meeting is one of seven meetings organized by UTA to get public comment, but only about 40 people have attended the first four hearings, a UTA official said.

Tonight's 6:30 meeting will be held at the Salt Lake City Library, 210 E. 400 South.

jsanchez@sltrib.com