FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 14, 2022
CONTACT: matthew@transportationchoices.org, (253) 282-3000
Statement on the Ben Franklin Transit’s Board vote to “indefinitely postpone” proposals to cut funding for the agency
At their meeting tonight, the Board of Directors of Ben Franklin Transit voted to “indefinitely postpone” two proposals that would have cut funding for the agency, effectively defeating both options. In response, Matthew Sutherland, Advocacy Director for Transportation Choices Coalition, issued the following statement:
“Hundreds of people in the Tri-Cities region spoke out against these proposals in recent weeks, and tonight’s vote shows that when we work together, the community wins.
“Transit is essential. It’s essential for people getting to work, students getting to school, older adults getting to appointments, and everyone in the Tri-Cities region who doesn’t or can’t drive. Transit riders and other community members made their position loud and clear: not a single person giving testimony spoke in favor of these cuts.
“This isn’t the first time Board members have attempted to cut funding for their own agency. However, I hope the outrage voters have expressed about these proposals over the last few weeks makes it the last time. We will be vigilant to ensure these proposals don’t ever get traction.”
Transportation Choices Coalition is a policy and advocacy nonprofit dedicated to making transportation accessible to all in Washington State. We champion policies that support more transit, bike, and pedestrian improvements at the state, regional, and local levels. Learn more at https://transportationchoices.org/.
##
