King County, Wash. — King County Metro Transit is facing a $75 million budget deficit. Without new taxes, it will be forced to cut bus service by 17 percent.
The transit agency's General Manager Kevin Desmond said the money worries go back five years, when a recession deeply cut sales tax revenues, which are Metro's main source of cash. Even after cuts in staff, labor contract costs, and four bus fare increases, Metro hasn't recovered. "We're falling behind, we're not getting ahead," said Desmond. Seventy-four bus routes may have to be cancelled. Another 107 routes would see reductions in service. Only 33 Metro routes would remain untouched.
A bus rider by the name of Robert said "it'll be rough, really rough" getting in and out of West Seattle. There would be almost a quarter fewer trips in and out of that community. Metro warned that many riders will have to walk farther to catch a bus, and transfer more often. Buses still on the road would be more crowded. Highways would become more congested.
The cuts could be avoided if state lawmakers will give King County the authority to put a motor vehicle excise tax on the ballot. If voters approved it, every vehicle owner would pay $150 for every $10,000 their car or truck is worth. The annual tax on a $30,000 car would be $450. Desmond said that would resolve this problem. "It would put us on our feet to be able to foresee the day that we could start growing again," he said. A motor vehicle excise tax would not only restore bus service, it would fund road and bridge maintenance in King County.
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