On September 29, the King County Council voted to cancel the upcoming bus cuts. They’re banking on optimistic sales tax projections, and taking a gamble by digging further into Metro’s reserve fund. If another recession hits in the next few years we’re in big trouble. But in the meantime, if Prop 1 passes in November, Seattle will be able to not only preserve but expand and improve our bus system.
As we all know, public transit in our region is chronically underfunded. Unacceptable cuts have already been made, fares are too high, service is not frequent or extensive enough, and our bus drivers’ schedules have been tightened to the point where they don’t have time to use the bathroom. Let’s pass Prop 1 and then make sure that money goes to restoring and adding service and making public transit more affordable for everyone. Climate change is accelerating, and we need a transit system that gets people out of their cars.
But never forget that this is a compromise. If approved, Seattle Transportation Benefit District Proposition 1 will raise $45 million per year for public transit by means of a 0.1% sales tax increase and a $60 vehicle license fee. Working and poor people in our state already shoulder more than our fair share of the tax burden, and this measure exacerbates that trend. Before putting Prop 1 on the ballot, the City Council rejected two more progressive funding options: an Employee Hours Tax on business and a Commercial Parking Fee increase. The Transit Riders Union and our allies will continue to push for progressive taxation at every level of government.
Finally, don’t think that this is a permanent solution. Expect another economic downturn. Next time, Metro will have even less of a cushion and even fewer local options for new funding. We can’t get complacent – we need to get organized. Join the Transit Riders Union and help us take this fight to the state legislature where it belongs!