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County’s 2008 transportation budget focuses on
preservation and service expansion
“There won’t be a lot of money for new road and airport projects, but residents will continue to see more transit service implemented all across the county as part of Transit Now,” he said. “This budget also allows us to continue to focus on making the best use of the funds available to make travel safe and reliable.” This year for the first time, the Metropolitan King County Council has selected Metro as a test case for biennial budgeting, and the 2008-2009 biennial budget includes a number of proposed actions that support the implementation of Transit Now. For the upcoming biennium, Metro will deploy more than 100,000 hours of new bus service. Service will be added for developing areas in the East and South parts of the county; high ridership and core routes throughout the county; and through partnerships with businesses and jurisdictions. Metro will also continue to work toward implementing RapidRide bus rapid transit service in five heavily traveled corridors in the county beginning in 2010. Also, in line with the Transit Now goal of doubling vanpool usage by 2016, Metro will work to add an average of 90 vanpools a year in 2008 and 2009 through new outreach efforts. And, services for transit passengers with disabilities are expanded with more service in under-served areas. In addition to the Transit Now expansion, a 25-cent fare increase – which will be staged to begin in March and July of 2008 – will help maintain Metro’s existing service and reduce overcrowding on current routes. Taniguchi said the Road Services Division budget reflects a commitment to safety and to reducing the amount of greenhouse gases it generates in the course of maintaining the county’s roadways. Most new projects are hold said Taniguchi, because existing revenues are not keeping pace with the cost of business. Large increases in fuel, materials, engineering and other construction costs mean that projects are costing more to complete. “Without new revenue sources, King County will likely only be able to fund unincorporated-area roads projects with high-priority safety and preservation needs in the future,” he said. “There is no funding for increased capacity or the construction of regional projects.” Taniguchi said one of the most immediate challenges is finding the money to replace the South Park Bridge over the Duwamish River.
Taniguchi said despite the tight financing, KCDOT continues to find innovative ways to provide “green” transportation services. All of the divisions within the department have been successful in taking major steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other actions that protect the environment. He pointed out that Metro will have more hybrid buses on the road in 2008. The Fleet Administration Division continues to explore alternative fuel vehicles for the county motor pool. Roads has been leading in the way in road repairs that also enhance wildlife habitat. And, the King County International Airport will begin installing noise insulation in 100 homes near Boeing Field in 2008. “I am very proud of the role Department of Transportation staff have played in making King County a leader in developing a variety of programs and services aimed at cutting carbon emissions generated by the transportation sector,” said Taniguchi. |
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