FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 4/29/2013
Councilmember Tom Rasmussen
Councilmember Rasmussen responds to briefing from Metro managers on potential bus cuts
Transportation Chair responds to presentation on routes at risk
SEATTLE — Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, Chair of the Council’s Transportation Committee, issued the following statement in response to a briefing by King County Metro this morning about routes at risk for elimination or in jeopardy of service reductions:
“As Transportation Chair of the Seattle City Council, I am working to ensure that people who live and work in Seattle have a reliable, high quality transit system. Seattle and the region depend upon the legislature taking action to provide our state’s largest metropolitan area with the means to preserve bus service.”
“Metro has been able to avoid cuts by saving or generating revenue, by operating more efficiently, cutting staff, increasing fares and spending reserve funds. To avoid significant cuts in service, King County enacted a temporary $20 fee on vehicle licenses for two years, which expires June 2014.”
“Once the fee expires, Metro will no longer have these funds to spend on service operations. Without a new source of revenue, Metro will be forced to cut service by 17%. These cuts will eliminate many commuter express routes and some neighborhoods will lose all service.”
“Seattle riders already experience over-crowded buses. I call upon our state legislature to give King County Metro the funding authority it needs to meet our growing region’s needs.”