Pierce Transit riders brace for major cuts this fall
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TACOMA, Wash. -- Pierce Transit is making moves to prevent some major cuts, but it's still going to be painful for people who rely on the bus.
Right now, Pierce Transit buses run 417,000 hours a year, but by the end of September, that will drop to 300,000 hours -- a decrease in service of 28 percent.
Up until a few weeks ago, the cuts amounted to 34 percent, but several cost-saving measures were put in place and $6 million in federal grant money was received.
It was enough to keep some weekend service, but it'll be much less than before. Also cut is weeknight service after 7 p.m.
"I don't think it's fair for the people that work at night," said Penelope Adams.
Kathy Cox depends on the bus in Lakewood for everything she does.
"Weekends are bad because we do go out on the weekends," Cox said. "We go shopping."
But the voters narrowly turned down Proposition 1 last November, which would have raised the sales tax. State lawmakers are looking at a bill right now that would allow Pierce Transit to target areas where voters would likely approve a tax hike.
"That could present some new funding opportunities for us," said Lars Erickson with Pierce Transit. "But would take the legislature taking action and then potentially voters."
For people like Juanita Heavey, the cuts mean she'll be home-bound more -- especially Sunday morning trying to get to church.
"I love to go and it just means I have to stay home," she said. "I like to get out and it's hard on me."
But unless something drastic happens, come Sept. 29, a lot of buses in the bus yard are just going to sit and stay idle on nights and weekends.
Right now, Pierce Transit buses run 417,000 hours a year, but by the end of September, that will drop to 300,000 hours -- a decrease in service of 28 percent.
Up until a few weeks ago, the cuts amounted to 34 percent, but several cost-saving measures were put in place and $6 million in federal grant money was received.
It was enough to keep some weekend service, but it'll be much less than before. Also cut is weeknight service after 7 p.m.
"I don't think it's fair for the people that work at night," said Penelope Adams.
Kathy Cox depends on the bus in Lakewood for everything she does.
"Weekends are bad because we do go out on the weekends," Cox said. "We go shopping."
But the voters narrowly turned down Proposition 1 last November, which would have raised the sales tax. State lawmakers are looking at a bill right now that would allow Pierce Transit to target areas where voters would likely approve a tax hike.
"That could present some new funding opportunities for us," said Lars Erickson with Pierce Transit. "But would take the legislature taking action and then potentially voters."
For people like Juanita Heavey, the cuts mean she'll be home-bound more -- especially Sunday morning trying to get to church.
"I love to go and it just means I have to stay home," she said. "I like to get out and it's hard on me."
But unless something drastic happens, come Sept. 29, a lot of buses in the bus yard are just going to sit and stay idle on nights and weekends.
Cut management by 60% and keep the bus service.
Ya know, if you don't like the services Pierce County provides, King County is the place for you. We have more bus service than we know what to do with. (Thatsa some bad English, eh?)
Although.. it is hit or miss as to the quality of their drivers.
"State lawmakers are looking at a bill right now that would allow Pierce Transit to target areas where voters would likely approve a tax hike."....am I reading this right? Does this mean that only the people who live in these select voting areas have to pay for it?
I've had to cut a lot of things I like to do out of my budget and prioritize my spending so I can make sure I get to work. I don't think public transportation is a right. We all make choices. Let's not keep throwing money at problems just because people think 'we've always done it that way'. That's expensive and inefficient thinking. There must be more creative and cost effective ways to support people in need.
I would have no trouble supporting a tax to prevent cuts to transit IF I could trust my lawmakers and the very overpaid deadweight that is running the show to keep their hands out of it.
As a born again, hardworking, voting republican most of the time, tax payer, I am more than willing to pay taxes to take care of those who CANNOT take care of themselves(not those who don't feel like it), and pay for essential services, essential projects, and protection.
But sorry, the one's who were sworn to uphold the good of the public have been way to irresponsible and need to CONVINCE me with something other than "trust me" before I will willing give them more money to wast
Y don't they increase the fare 40 to 50 cents or what ever the H with the voters, how many millions will it cost to put it to a vote are we getting this stupid.
Service decreased 28 per cent, administrators cut zero per cent. No worries, now Pierce Transit has identified everyone who voted yes on Prop 1, only they will vote on this sales tax next time. But everyone in Pierce County will pay - hooray for democracy.
@KOMO_Sapiens It is comical to see services reduced, yet correspondingly, rarely see overhead reduced.
How else can our Olympia Legislators muscle in a pay raise if they don't cut spending everywhere else? Wait and see, it's coming.........
Taxpayers who provide the funds for public transport face a drop in take home pay.
"State lawmakers are looking at a bill right now that would allow Pierce Transit to target areas where voters would likely approve a tax hike."
So would just those targeted areas have to pay for the tax hike if it passes or would all of Pierce County be on the hook for this?
I voted NO for Prop 1 and would vote the same way again if needed. Bus transportation out in my area is almost nonexistent and I REFUSE to pay more sales tax to fund this money pit. If Pierce Transit needs more money then they can get it from the people that actually use the service. I don't use it so I ain't paying for it!Â
as a person who has relied on buses i think this is shameful. some of the people who need transportation the most will not have it. This is NOT an entitlement program for folks with their hands out.  This affects people who cannot afford to live in higher rent areas on major bus lines.   Of all the functions a civilized society provides, transportation should be at the top along with food. I'm sure i'll be voted off the island, but it is more vital than "affordable" healthcare. Â
@jennieb It's entitlement for all the staff and admin at Pierce Transit.
@jennieb It IS an entitlement when the fare isn't close to paying for the service.
@contraryjim So since it is an entitlement program why does the rider not get a tax exempt status for sales tax?  Or does the rider also put in a larger share by paying both fees and fares?
@SeattleSports64 my half of the county already got cut off and our sales tax hasn't gone down, they can cut all they want ;0)
"State lawmakers are looking at a bill right now that would allow Pierce Transit to target areas where voters would likely approve a tax hike."
What kind of shenanigans is that?  It might as well be a dictatorial decision to exclude voters that would be affected by the tax.
@sadatoni If I remember correctly PT tried this already & it still didn't work. If the state allows PT to cherry pick even more, then the people living in the unserved cities shouldn't have to pay one cent.