FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 4/19/2013
Councilmember Mike O’Brien
Councilmember O’Brien to Testify for Transportation Options in Olympia
Seattle City Councilmember Mike O’Brien will testify today before the House Transportation Committee to advocate for local transportation funding options. The state legislature is currently considering a transportation package that could affect King County Metro’s budget.
"This is my second Metro Transit-related Olympia visit this session, and it probably won’t be my last," said Councilmember Mike O’Brien. "People throughout Seattle rely on public transit, and I’ll do whatever I can to ensure our bus service is maintained."
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. The 1:30 p.m. hearing is available to view streaming live on tvw.org.
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.