FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 4/3/2013
Council President Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Mike O’Brien
Councilmembers Clark, O’Brien Advocate for Transportation Options in Olympia
Seattle City Councilmembers Sally J. Clark and Mike O’Brien today will meet with key state legislators to advocate for local transportation funding options. Both will travel to Olympia as part of the "Keep King County Moving Coalition," highlighting the need to preserve King County Metro transit service and critical roadway maintenance.
Metro faces a $75 million annual shortage if the state Legislature fails to approve transit funding tools, a shortfall that would result in the reduction of up to 17 percent of Metro’s bus service. According to King County Metro, 65 transit routes are at risk of being cancelled, with another 86 routes at risk for service reductions. "Keep King County Moving" has coordinated business, government and community advocates to speak with one voice about the threat transit cuts pose to business, growth management and quality of life.
"It’s do-or-die time," said Council President Sally J. Clark. "Without funding options, we can expect commutes to suffer and business to be impacted."
"Metro cuts will disproportionally affect low-income communities," said Councilmember Mike O’Brien. "I have faith that our friends in Olympia will recognize that giving local jurisdictions tools to provide service is the right thing to do.
Seattle City Councilmembers frequently meet with legislators as part of the "Seattle for Washington" program, which is intended to strengthen relationships with key policy makers and better understand issues important to communities around the state. For more on Metro’s funding shortfall and what it could mean for the future of transit riders and our economy, please visit Metro’s website.