With record ridership stressing Seattle's public transit system, the last thing the city needs is a funding crisis created by political intransigence. Unfortunately, that's what the city seems to be getting, reports Tanya Snyder.
"Facing a massive budget gap — caused largely by the antagonism and negligence of state legislators — Metro Transit has announced a plan to cut spending 17 percent by eliminating 74 bus routes," writes Snyder. Not only will 74 of the city's 214 routes be "deleted", 107 routes will be "changed" to streamline service.
"Will the state step in to save the day? Not likely. In an echo of the current federal paralysis on transportation funding, a major transportation spending package has been tied up at the state level for some time — and with it, local taxation authority," explains Snyder "The Democratic governor and House of Representatives are trying to move it, but the State Senate, narrowly controlled by Republicans and a handful of Democrats that caucus with them, has been holding it up."
"If funding does not come through, the cuts are scheduled to take effect next September."
Read the full story: As Lawmakers Fail to Fund Transit, Seattle May Lose 74 Bus Routes
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