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| May 3, 2001
Sims proposes more Metro bus service
King County Executive Ron Sims today transmitted to the King County Council the scheduled September service improvements. Along with the June service improvements that were delayed because the fare increase was not enacted, and the September service improvements, 124,000 annual hours of additional Metro Bus service and improvements will go into effect beginning in September. The additional service will improve the frequency and the directness of service, integrate with Sound Transit service, and relieve overcrowding on buses.
“When we lost the Motor Vehicle Excise Tax (MVET) that funded bus service, we made voters a promise to keep buses running. Voters supported Metro Transit at the polls last fall,” said Sims. “In turn, we made cuts and efficiencies in administration that eliminated $14 million annually and more than 100 positions. We also increased bus fares. We delivered on those commitments, so we can now restore and improve bus service as promised to the voters.
“As a result, they will see more and better bus service, getting people out of their cars, and onto the bus, helping to reduce traffic congestion. This is one vital step towards regional traffic solutions.”
Sims added that the September service improvements include more bus service hours on the Eastside due to the addition of regional service provided by Sound Transit.
Improvements included in the package sent to the Council total 68,329 annual hours of additional service. Other improvements are expected to total 15,401 annual hours. When combined with delayed service originally slated for June, a total of 124,000 hours of new service are identified for implementation beginning in September.
“Most of these improvements will occur in September. However, because of the June delays, the sheer size of the program, and additional Sound Transit Express operating requirements will mean some improvements will need to wait until early 2002 for implementation,” Sims said. “These will be identified as we get closer to the September service change.”
Extensive public involvement efforts occurred during February and March. A combination of direct mail, community meetings, newspaper advertisements, and website information and, in the case of the Eastside, a sounding board forum was used to solicit comments from riders and non-riders.
The Executive has asked the Council to move quickly on their review and adoption of the ordinance. The size and complexity of the overall program scheduled for September requires four months for successful implementation. Council action by June 4th will be needed.
Updated: May 3, 2001
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