Ferguson: “We cannot afford to lose bus service”

June 23, 2011

Summary

Supports enacting congestion reduction fee

Story

Metropolitan King County Councilmember Bob Ferguson released this statement today on the proposal by County Executive Constantine to enact a $20 fee to help maintain Metro Transit bus service:

“As a commuter on the #41, I have consistently supported our transit system and pushed Metro to find efficiencies and reduce administrative costs before cutting service or raising fares. Metro now faces a precipitous revenue shortfall and without new funding, 17 percent of all bus service will be eliminated.

“After much thought, I have decided that I will be voting for the Executive’s proposal to enact the $20 congestion reduction fee authorized by the state legislature to preserve Metro bus service.

“This decision was not an easy one. Families are struggling in this economy and I do not take fee decisions lightly. However, families and workers rely on transit everyday to get to their jobs and to get their children to school.

“On a jammed-packed #41 this week, it was evident to me that our community cannot afford to lose bus service. At 6:45 p.m., my bus had to leave commuters behind at the last downtown stop because there was not enough room to get them home.

“The new revenues generated by the congestion reduction fee are vital to preserving the bus service we need to keep our community and our economy moving.”