[nfbwatlk] State Legislature Leaves Transit Riders Stranded

[Humberto Avila]

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-----Original Message-----
From: nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of goldbeckjm at comcast.net
Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2012 10:38 PM
To: County, Clark; nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org
Subject: [nfbwatlk] State Legislature Leaves Transit Riders Stranded




OLYMPIA, WA - The special session came to a close yesterday without any
action taken to address the local transportation funding crisis in
Washington State. In a time of rising gas prices and increased demand for
transit, bus service has been slashed by over 40% in the past two years in
Pierce and Snohomish Counties. In less than two years King County Metro
faces a similar financial free fall when their temporary congestion relief
fee expires. 

"Time and time again the legislature has heard the need for additional
voter-approved revenues for local transit," said Rob Johnson, Executive
Director of Transportation Choices. "Despite this clear need, they failed to
step up for bus riders across the state. Our transit agencies are forced to
strand tens of thousands of riders every single day. We have to do better." 

During the legislative session Transportation for Washington led a strong
coalition for long-term, sustainable transportation funding. The campaign
organized the largest Transportation Advocacy Day ever; the support of
nearly 200 local elected officials, businesses, labor groups, and other
organizations; and more than 1,500 individual letters sent to legislators
supporting transit funding. 

The legislature raised transportation related fees through HB 2660, which
temporarily directs additional state investment to transit, bicycle and
pedestrian safety, ferries, road maintenance, and other transportation
related programs, but failed to pass a long-term solution. 

"To end the special session without long-term solutions for transit is a
blow to communities across the state," said Hilary Franz, Executive Director
of Futurewise. "Slashing transit service will hinder our region's push
towards economic recovery. Without great transit, we cannot build great
communities."
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