Lack of funding for King County Metro could spell drastic service cuts

King County made an announcement earlier this month of the potential for major service cuts and restrictions on many Metro Transit routes due to absence of funding.

Temporary funding currently dedicated to Metro Transit is due to expire, and if no other source is found, will result in the cancellation of 74 bus routes and the reduction or revision of 107 more starting June next year. These cuts would take Metro’s services back to levels that have not been seen since 1997 at a time where current ridership is at a near all-time high.

“The time for action is now, with the Legislature in special session, to avert cuts to bus service that would be without precedent in the 40-year history of Metro,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “It is unconscionable that King County should be compelled to cut bus service, due to lack of funding authority from the state.”

According to Metro Transit, they have exhausted their reserves and have implemented as many efficiencies and cost-saving machanisms as possible. Their service guidelines show a need to increase service by 15 percent to cope with the current high demand from passengers, however, without funding in place, in June 2014 Metro will be forced to cut service by up to 17 percent. The state legislature are currently considering stateweide transportation funding during a special session.

“Temporary funding and reserves run out next year – and those were part of how we kept service running through the weak economy after the Great Recession,” Desmond said. “Recent economic growth is good news but doesn’t rescue us, as sales tax receipts are still below 2008 levels and remain a volatile source of Metro’s revenue.”

If funding is not in place by next year, Ballard’s D Line will be one of the routes that will be reduced or revised. The 15 X route that many Ballardites use for their commute would not change, however, according to Metro Transit it would likely become more crowded due to the drastic changes that would be implemented on other routes. “Riders already face crowded buses, and our growing county and economy needs more bus service, not cuts,” said Metro Transit General Manager Kevin Desmond.

Metro must plan and announce the service changes months in advance of their potential implementation. They have launched a wide outreach effort to inform riders about the new proposed changes and are hosting public meetings all over the city to inform and hear from riders are facing the prospect of losing vital services.

The North Seattle public meeting is being held on Thursday, December 5 at North Seattle Community College (9600 College Way N) from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. If you can’t attend the meeting have your say online by visiting Metro’s service cuts page. Riders can also use #KCMetroCuts to join in the conversation through social media outlets.

King County Council will be considering the finalized proposed cuts in the spring which will be reviewed in light of updated financial forecasts. The My Ballard team will keep readers informed of any updates as they come to light.