The shared ride system has a designated service area and generally has a fixed price for a one-way trip in that service area. It is called “shared ride” because one customer may “share” a ride with another. If two people call for a pickup at Wal-Mart to return home, they may get in the same cab and ride to the first home, then to the next one.

Lin talked about Platteville’s system. It is open to ALL residents, not just elderly or economically disadvantaged. It costs $2.00 for a one-way trip in the City Limits. If you & your spouse want to ride the taxi to the movies, then the second person is charged $0.50 to be picked up and dropped off at the same locations as the first. The actual cost of a ride is about $8.00 per person, but we can charge the lower amount due to Federal & State subsidies making up 65% of the cost of the trip. The other 35% is by the fares and the City.

They have a sedan and a wheelchair accessible van. They are looking at possibly cutting back to one vehicle at night. They operate 6 AM to 10 PM Monday – Saturday and 7 AM to 1 PM on Sunday. Lin said that Platteville is their 6th system and they are happy to serve the citizens of Platteville.

There were some questions. Yes, the other taxi is still operating, but does not receive a subsidy. All drivers must pass background checks and have a good driving record. Top Hat hires local people for driving and dispatching. They are all about serving people to make a difference.

Thanks for the wonderful speech!

UPCOMING EVENTS

UPCOMING SPEAKERS

Last week Milt Rewey drew the Joker. This week he got a check for $560 for his half of the winnings. He said he will donate the winnings to the Senior Center Bus fund raising campaign. The other half of the pot will go to the Childhood Cancer Campaign. One of our tax advisors wanted to give free advice to Milt to ensure he reports the winnings on his 2010 tax return. He can also show the contribution on a different form. No reason to get in trouble over this.

This week Charlie was playing with a “full deck” again. Eileen Engelke started us off right by drawing the 8 of Diamonds and winning $2. Remember, the pot minimum is $100. As contributions flow into the pot, the Club’s ante will be withdrawn until the original $100 stake is repaid, then we go for the big bucks!

Next week, January 22, the meeting will be held at Park Place (the old hospital). Arrive at the main entrance off Elm Street. We will get a small breakfast & tour. Tom is thinking we should give a $5 donation to defray the cost of breakfast.

Here are the menu choices for January 29 when we return to Take 2.

Large: Sausage and cheese Omelet, Hash browns, and toast Small: Waffle with Strawberries.

Please contact Tom with your choice so that Take 2 can plan on meals.

We received a Thank You note from Badger Camp for allowing Betsy to speak to us. The Platteville Community Arboretum (PCA) sent us a Newsletter.

SWIS District will have its 2nd Quarter Conference in Whitewater on Feb 5 & 6. Register before 1/29 and the registration fee is waived. Paula O’Reilly, an OI Trainer, will be there. They will have a demo from the Whitewater wheelchair basketball team.

On Wednesday January 20, Diane Van Natta will represent the club to receive a $250 grant from the Loveland Trust presented by First National Bank.

The District Tri-Star Basketball contest will be on March 20. Bucky Badger will be at the SWIS contest! Our contest will be on Saturday March 13, at the Armory, the week before the SWIS District competition.

The next Board Meeting will be on Thursday, February 11th at 7 AM at Badger Brothers.