Yesterday, King County Metro released a list of the cuts and service reductions that will begin in June unless the agency finds a sustainable source of revenue.
You can find detailed information about the proposed cuts here.
It’s a devastating list that will affect over 80% of Metro routes, and it’s coming at a time when the agency should be growing service by 15% just to reduce crowding and keep up with demand.
Why do we keep hearing about cuts?
Because King County Metro is primarily funded by sales tax, the agency has been experiencing financial challenges since the Great Recession began almost six years ago. Metro has done everything possible to avoid cuts, including raising fares four times, implementing efficiencies, and spending reserves.
In the meantime, they (and we) have been asking legislators in Olympia to authorize a long-term funding source for transit. To be clear, King County is not asking for money from the state; we are only asking for the ability to decide for ourselves how to fund our critical transportation needs.
The legislature has failed to take any action to resolve our transit funding crisis.
What’s next?
What’s next is a ballot measure to save Metro.
Right now, the legislature is holding its third special session of 2013. It is possible that they will vote on a transportation package during this session, and we are pushing to ensure that the package will authorize a local funding source for King County Metro.
But whether or not the package passes, we are going to take this issue to the people. King County has a taxing authority that, if approved by the voters, could be used to fund Metro service.
We don’t know what will happen in Olympia this week, but we do know that Metro funding will be on the ballot no matter what happens.
The routes that are slated to be cut aren’t just lines on a map; they represent people’s lives. We refuse to let the legislature hold our lives hostage any longer.
We’ll keep you posted!
P.S. – We’re going to need all the resources we can get for next year’s campaign. Help us prepare for the fight by donating $5 today!
