Metro continues to face a funding shortfall that could affect two-thirds of all bus routes.
The state Legislature is considering new transit funding tools, but if none is approved, Metro faces a $75 million annual shortage after some stop-gap funding runs out in mid-2014.
Over the past five years Metro has made deep cost cuts, raised fares four times, and taken many other actions to keep buses on the road, but they say they would have no way to close the projected budget gap without making major service reductions.
A report we released today says we would have to eliminate, reduce or change about two-thirds of Metro bus routes.
A 2012 Service Guidelines Report analyzed the transit system using measures of productivity, geographic value, social equity, and ridership. The report shows where Metro needs to increase service to reduce crowding, keep buses on time, and meet growing demand. It also identifies service that they might consider reducing if necessary.
The report offers the first glimpse at which Metro routes are at risk of elimination or reduction if a funding solution isn’t found.
Without additional revenue, Metro will have to reduce up to 17 percent of bus service. A reduction of this magnitude would be felt by all riders.
An estimated seven out of 10 riders would lose some or all service and might have to go farther to get to the bus, take a longer trip, or transfer more. Riders throughout the system might have to crowd onto packed buses or wait at the curb while full buses pass by.
While the report provides an illustration of specific routes that might be eliminated, reduced or changed, the actual proposed reductions will take more planning, including public outreach on the first potential reductions this fall.
Reductions would be made starting in September 2014 and continuing through the following year.
We’ll keep you informed via this email list as the funding and policy issues evolve. In the meantime:
• Learn more about what’s at risk (including maps showing affects by area)
• Share your story about why transit is important to you
• Join the conversation on the Metro Matters blog.
-from a press release
