Community Transit will halt its Sunday and holiday service starting June 13, while local bus and paratransit fares will go up 25 cents as of June 1.
The Community Transit Board of Directors unanimously approved the service reduction and fare hike March 4. The suspensions and cuts total about 80,000 hours, or about 15 percent of the service CT provides. These changes will result savings of $5 million in 2010 and $11 million in 2011, which allows CT to balance its budget.
“In my 18 years as an elected official, this is the hardest vote I’ve ever had to take,” said board member and Lynnwood City Council President Ted Hikel. “I don’t know anyone on this board or this staff who likes this, but there are realities out there — there just isn’t any money.”
Community Transit, like transit agencies across the state, has lost a significant portion of its sales tax revenue due to the recession. Current revenues are 20 percent less than the agency received in 2007, despite seeing more riders. Community Transit cut $14 million in spending the past two years before considering service cuts.
“We did our best to avoid cutting service for two years, but we can no longer do that,” said board Chairman Dave Gossett, who also is chair of the Snohomish County Council. “We looked at every alternative to suspending Sunday and holiday service, but the other options were even more painful. As soon as funding is available, we will bring back these important services.”
CT is pursuing a variety of funding sources and options that could possibly provide revenue to restore the service, said Gossett.
The board did approve a $50,000 fund that could be used by community organizations to fill the gaps of missing Sunday service for those with the greatest need. Details of how that plan will work are being developed.
Service cuts include cuts to local and commuter bus service. The plan will eliminate Routes 200, 207, 404, 411, 441, 812, 851 and 870, each of which has alternative transit service. Other routes will be consolidated and duplications in service will be eliminated.
To further reduce costs, some early morning and late night trips will be cut.
Details of the approved plan will be available at www.communitytransit.org.
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