Published: Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Community Transit hopes to restore some bus services
The agency has asked for $21 million in federal aid, and a state panel is looking for ways to stabilize transit funding.
Bus service on Sundays and holidays by Community Transit are lost for 2010, but officials hope routes can be restored early next year.
It’s a long shot, but state and federal elected officials are aware of Community Transit’s funding shortages and service cuts.
“We’ve got to get Sunday and holiday service back,” said state Rep. Marko Liias, D-Edmonds, a member of the Legislature’s Joint Transportation Committee.
Liias serves on a panel of state legislators and others who are studying possible funding sources and other measures to provide more stability for public transportation.
They’re expected to have a recommendation ready for lawmakers in January.
Also, Community Transit has asked for $21 million in emergency funds from the federal government for 2011.
Starting June 13, Community Transit discontinued its service on Sundays and holidays, cut most early-morning and late-night trips, reduced commuter service and eliminated some neighborhood loops. Also eliminated was Sunday Dial-A-Ride Transportation, or DART, for the elderly and disabled as well as Swift bus rapid transit service. Fares were raised 25 cents on all local routes.
The transportation agency made the moves to save $16 million in lost tax revenue over two years. Sales taxes, dragging because of the economic recession, supply most of Community Transit’s funding.
The service cuts were made over the objections of many riders who said they would have difficulty getting to work, church and medical appointments.
If no emergency funding comes through, it’s not known when the service might return.
Community Transit asked for the federal funds through the Senate Appropriations subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development. U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., is chairwoman of the committee.
The list of requests for 2011 is extremely long, and Community Transit’s $21 million request is one of the largest.
“It’s competing against a number of worthy projects,” Murray spokesman Matt McAlvanah said.
If the $21 million is approved, that would be enough to either restore Sunday and holiday service for two years, or bring back all service for a year.
Community Transit likely would opt for bringing back Sunday service for two years, avoiding the specter of restoring service for a time just to cut it again, said Martin Munguia, Community Transit spokesman.
The 29-member state transportation panel held its first meeting in Seattle last week. The group will look at funding, along with the state’s role in public transportation and related issues, such as coordination with private options such as taxis and van services.
Bill Sheets: 425-339-3439; sheets@heraldnet.com.
It’s a long shot, but state and federal elected officials are aware of Community Transit’s funding shortages and service cuts.
“We’ve got to get Sunday and holiday service back,” said state Rep. Marko Liias, D-Edmonds, a member of the Legislature’s Joint Transportation Committee.
Liias serves on a panel of state legislators and others who are studying possible funding sources and other measures to provide more stability for public transportation.
They’re expected to have a recommendation ready for lawmakers in January.
Also, Community Transit has asked for $21 million in emergency funds from the federal government for 2011.
Starting June 13, Community Transit discontinued its service on Sundays and holidays, cut most early-morning and late-night trips, reduced commuter service and eliminated some neighborhood loops. Also eliminated was Sunday Dial-A-Ride Transportation, or DART, for the elderly and disabled as well as Swift bus rapid transit service. Fares were raised 25 cents on all local routes.
The transportation agency made the moves to save $16 million in lost tax revenue over two years. Sales taxes, dragging because of the economic recession, supply most of Community Transit’s funding.
The service cuts were made over the objections of many riders who said they would have difficulty getting to work, church and medical appointments.
If no emergency funding comes through, it’s not known when the service might return.
Community Transit asked for the federal funds through the Senate Appropriations subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development. U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., is chairwoman of the committee.
The list of requests for 2011 is extremely long, and Community Transit’s $21 million request is one of the largest.
“It’s competing against a number of worthy projects,” Murray spokesman Matt McAlvanah said.
If the $21 million is approved, that would be enough to either restore Sunday and holiday service for two years, or bring back all service for a year.
Community Transit likely would opt for bringing back Sunday service for two years, avoiding the specter of restoring service for a time just to cut it again, said Martin Munguia, Community Transit spokesman.
The 29-member state transportation panel held its first meeting in Seattle last week. The group will look at funding, along with the state’s role in public transportation and related issues, such as coordination with private options such as taxis and van services.
Bill Sheets: 425-339-3439; sheets@heraldnet.com.
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• Government • Transportation • Federal • State • Taxes • Legislature • Transit • Community Transit • Disabled • ElderlyComments
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