PT Board Votes for Alternative 2 - Preservation Plan

The PT Board of Commissioners on Monday evening July 12, 2010 selected a plan to preserve service levels with the goal of providing financially sustainable public transportation that area residents value and use. The Board directed staff to put forward a ballot proposition for the February 8, 2011 election to exercise the final 0.3% sales tax authority available to Pierce Transit to provide funding to meet current service demands.

Since the beginning of the recession, PT has been actively addressing the impacts of sharp declines in sales tax revenue. The agency was one of the first entities to experience a layoff of personnel – a five percent reduction. Pierce Transit delayed or eliminated capital projects, reduced service by nearly six percent, and increased regular adult fares by 25 cents. Those actions combined with employee identified operational efficiencies have saved over $72 million.

The Pierce Transit Board also directed staff to continue to look for ways to cut more costs without impacting service until the voters have their say in February of 2011.

Pierce Transit is Planning for the Future

Thank you for helping Pierce Transit reevaluate our 30-year-old route structure and services.

As a result of the economic recession, Pierce Transit faces a deficit by the end of 2012, despite our best cost-control efforts.

Last fall, we started reaching out to our riders and the general public. We heard that transit’s top priorities should be connecting people to jobs and meeting basic life needs for those who depend on Pierce Transit.

In March and April, we took draft plans out to the communities, based on available funding. After hearing comments in public meetings, and through surveys, online, phone, and mail, Pierce Transit refined potential plans.

In June, we took the refined plans to the public and the board. Based on feedback from the community, the Board directed staff to put forward a ballot proposition for the February 2011 election.

• What we heard from the community
• See the presentation to the board
• View preliminary system concepts
• See how your route might be affected

“Pierce Transit has the best drivers, bar none! They’re always friendly, outgoing, and helpful.”

“The services Pierce Transit provides are vital. You are too important to let fail.”