After a resounding defeat to Proposition 1, a countywide measure that would have raised fees and taxes to address an ongoing budget deficit at King County Metro Transit, Seattle is scrambling to find the money to preserve local bus routes.
"Seattle Mayor Ed Murray unveiled his proposal to give Seattle voters another option to save Seattle-centric [bus] routes, although he's still got his eye on a broader, regional plan," reports Liz Jones.
"Murray’s transit plan mirrors the Prop 1 funding model. It would call for a $60 vehicle fee and 0.1 percent sales tax to maintain bus service. That money would only be used for routes within the city."
Murray's plan differs from an earlier plan, proposed by a group called Friends of Transit, which would have devoted funds from property taxes to maintain about 70 routes on the city's bus system.
In a separate article, Mike Londblom also covers Mayor Murray's plan relative to the earlier proposal by Friends of Transit. In comparing the prospects of either plan gaining approval with voters: "There’s no guarantee voters will pass the new taxes. On the other hand, some 66 percent of Seattle voters favored last month’s losing Proposition 1, a countywide request for the same tax rates, some of which would have gone to roads."
As for possible measures for how cities outside of Seattle might be able to save select bus routes, Lindblom also provides details of a new "Community Mobility Contracts" program, proposed by King County Executive Dow Constatine.
Read the full story: Murray's Plan To Save Seattle City Buses
Seattle Voters To Be Put To Transit Test in November
Will a large city do what its county voters refused to do—fund the county bus system, though largely within city limits? Seattle voters will be put to the test in November when asked to pay an annual $60 vehicle fee and 0.1% sales tax.
Bus Transit Service Increased in Seattle (Again)
The city of Seattle is improving transit service as the city grows.
Bus System Changes Planned in Seattle
King County Metro and Sound Transit have proposed major changes to bus service on the eastside of Seattle, stretching into suburban communities outside of the city as well.
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