Service cuts hearing: Tuesday, May 14, 3:30 p.m. – open house, 4 p.m. – testimony begins–at Union Station, 401 S Jackson St, Seattle
Can’t attend? Submit your comments online

The letter from KING COUNTY METRO TO FNC: “As a valuable organization or group serving our community, we wanted you to be aware of an upcoming opportunity for the public to talk with King County Council members about how transit cuts would affect them and ideas they have for addressing Metro’s funding shortfall.

“The King County Council’s Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee will hold a special meeting Tuesday, May 14 to take public testimony about potential Metro Transit service cuts. Committee members want to hear how people might be affected by service reductions and their ideas for alternatives.

“Metro faces a $75 million annual shortfall and will have to cut service by up to 600,000 hours, or 17 percent, beginning in fall 2014 unless new funding becomes available. Roughly two-thirds of Metro bus routes might be eliminated, reduced or revised. Learn about what’s at risk.

“Metro has had a severe funding shortage since 2008. So far we have avoided major service reductions by cutting staff positions and programs, raising fares, digging into reserves, and taking many other actions. We’ve adopted recommendations from a performance audit to save about $22 million annually, and have secured $121 million in grant funding to help develop high-volume RapidRide lines in major travel corridors.

“The County adopted a congestion reduction charge to provide supplemental funding for two years while the Legislature considered transportation funding solutions. That charge will run out in mid-2014, and no more reserve funds will be available. If no additional funding is approved, Metro will have to reduce service to close the budget gap.

“You can help:

  • Attached is a “rider alert” you can print and post in your organization
  • Forward this message to your networks
  • Attend the hearing or submit testimony online
  • Request a presentation for your group or clients (reply to this email)

“Please let us know if you have any questions or need additional information.

In Community,

DeAnna Martin & Alice Ann Wetzel, King County Department of Transportation, Community Relations Planners  206-263-9770