Seattle Transit Advisory Board Established, Seattleites Encouraged to Apply

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/2/2015

Seattle Transit Advisory Board Established, Seattleites Encouraged to Apply

SEATTLE – City Council unanimously voted to create a Seattle Transit Advisory Board today, and Mayor Murray announced his intention to sign the legislation into law.

The Board will provide recommendations and oversight on the spending of approximately $45 million which will be raised for transit service in Seattle as a result of the approval of Proposition 1 last fall. The Board will also advise the Mayor, Council, and City departments on all other matters related to transit within Seattle, such as implementation of the Seattle Transit Master Plan and operation of the City’s streetcar system.

“Taxpayers deserve to know their money is well spent, which is why we’re creating this Seattle Transit Advisory Board,” said Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, the legislation’s sponsor. “We’re looking for thoughtful, dedicated people to advise on how our new transit hours are dedicated, and I’ll be relying on their feedback for future decisions.”

“The expansion of bus transit services is a huge win for everyone who lives and works in Seattle,” said Mayor Ed Murray. “Citizen oversight of where we direct these new resources will help ensure that we’re meeting the needs of every neighborhood and community in the city.”

The Board will be comprised of 11 members, plus a member of the Get Engaged program, all of whom will serve staggered two or three-year terms. Five appointments will be made by the Council and six appointments by the Mayor. The Board is expected to meet monthly.

The legislation passed today calls for Board members to be representative of:

  • Different geographic areas of the city;
  • Different transit rider groups (persons with disabilities, senior and school age citizens, commuters, low-income riders);
  • Travelers of different modes of public transportation (e.g. bus, light rail, streetcar, and ferry);
  • Seattle residents with an interest in improving transit conditions within the City and region, and have experience with urban transit issues;
  • Transit-related organizations/clubs; and
  • Schools, business, and neighborhood organizations that particularly depend on the City’s public transportation system.

The City of Seattle is committed to promoting diversity in the City’s boards and commissions. Women, young persons, seniors, persons with disabilities, sexual and gender minorities, persons of color, and immigrants are encouraged to apply. Seattle residents interested in serving on the Advisory Board should submit a resume and a letter of interest to Bill LaBorde of the Seattle Department of Transportation at Bill.LaBorde@seattle.gov.

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