from the PD [1] (which also offers the list of routes to be cut) -- how about it cleveland? let's bring out the crowds for the eight public hearings and bring some ideas to the table...
Thousands of RTA riders will have to find another way to get to their destination if the agency eliminates 12 percent of its bus routes.
All or most of 32 routes likely will disappear next April, Michael York, deputy general manager of operations, told RTA's board on Tuesday.
In addition, evening and weekend service will be discontinued on 11 routes, and 16 routes will be modified under the proposed service plan.
Those reductions will cost up to 200 bus operators and mechanics their jobs.
RTA officials say the changes are necessary because the agency has no other alternative to balance next year's budget.
"This is not an easy task and will affect people's lives," said York. "It is an equitable plan to the degree it can be equitable. But while we don't want to sound negative, it is negative."
Eight public hearings across Cuyahoga County will be scheduled between January 4 and January 8 so people can comment on the proposed cuts as well as a proposal to maintain the current fares. The board has to vote to keep the current fares in place because two increases that totaled 50 cents were tied to the price of diesel fuel and are set to expire April 1. It currently costs $2.25 for a bus ride.
the one hopeful prospect comes in the penultimate paragraph:
The number of proposed service cuts could be reduced if riders indicate they would be willing to pay more than the current fares or if bus operators, currently negotiating a new contract with RTA, agree to concessions. The contract with Amalgamated Transit Union Local 268, which represents about 1,800 bus drivers, expired July 31.
Links:
[1] http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/11/rtas_proposed_service_cuts_cou_1.html