Tacoma Tomorrow: Suburbs Have not Supported Transit in Over 10 Years

Chris Karnes over at Tacoma Tomorrow is diving into a series of posts about past election results for transit in Pierce County and what the agency needs to do in order to be successful going forward.

In his most recent post Chris looks at Pierce Transit election results between 2002 and more recent transit elections (2007, 2008, 2011).

The data is conclusive, Pierce County voters have not changed in the last 10 years: Tacoma, Lakewood, and Downtown Gig Harbor and Puyallup continue to to say yes to to transit, while voters in the suburbs and exurbs continue to say no.

Results from Pierce Transit Prop 1 - February 2002

Pierce Transit Prop 1, Feb 2011.  Red = Failed Transit votes in 2007, 2008, 2011.

Chris goes on to point out what has changed:

In the last ten years Pierce County's unincorporated population has mushroomed.  In South Hill, the population increased 65.8%.  Tacoma's growth rate hasn't kept pace, only increasing a paltry 2.5%.  So generally speaking, that's a lot more no votes than Tacoma's urban pro-transit voters can handle.

If voters in the suburbs say get rid of transit funding in 1999 and then reject additional transit funding in 2002, say no again in 2007, no in 2008, and no in 2011, why should we expect a yes under any circumstances?

The whole thing is well worth a read.  While you are there, make sure to read his earlier post on the 163 transit hostile districts in Pierce County and the need for Pierce Transit to shrink its service and taxing area to be successful in the future.

To add my own two cents, we cannot stay in a world where the urbanized, high-transit use areas of Pierce County have sub-par transit service due to a lack of political will to pay for transit in the exurban and rural areas of the county.  In the last 3 years Pierce Transit has cut around 43% of their transit service, which is unacceptable in the short and long-term.  Buses stop running at 10pm and high ridership routes like the Route 1 are often overcapacity and delayed (I know this from experience and Piece Transit's data backs this up).

We need great bus service in Pierce County to keep people moving and get our economy back on track.  In order to restore bus service Pierce Transit needs to get the rest of its sales tax authority.  In order for this to happen they need to cut out the low ridership, high service cost, transit hostile parts of the county.  To be clear, a new and improved smaller Pierce Transit would not be "Tacoma Transit" as some have claimed.  The Pierce Transit of the future could provide great bus service to places where transit is cost-effective and works (i.e. Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup, Sumner, South Hill, Gig Harbor, Dupont, Parkland, Spanaway, and Fife) and at the same time only impose taxes on communities that receive bus service; a win-win scenario for transit supporters and anti-tax exurbanites alike!

Pierce Transit Set for Heart-wrenching Stories

This blog post was originally posted on the Transportation Washington Blog Here.  Follow it!

People across the state are struggling to pay their bills and provide for their families. On Monday we heard 50+ people testify in Pierce County on how they depend on bus service to get to work, the grocery store, and critical medical appointments. Most of these people either moved to live near a bus line for its efficiency or -- more frequently -- couldn't afford to own a car and were transit-dependent.

Pierce Transit has a huge 35% budget hole. This isn't the agency's fault. Over the last few years, time and time again they've cut overhead and administrative costs and made the bus lines more efficient. But behind-the-times state law restricts local transit agencies to only get local revenue through the sales tax, which has been decreasing with the economic recession.

It's a fact: no matter what we do, many Pierce Transit bus riders will no longer be able to use the bus.  The personal stories will be bad.  Our obligation -- and that of Pierce Transit -- is to minimize the number of those stories.  The best way to do that is to use the existing resources to maximize ridership -- making sure the most people possible can ride the bus
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Well, how to make that picture a reality is getting clearer.  We recently got ridership information on all of Pierce Transit’s routes.  Unsurprisingly, the exurban bus plus routes are the lowest ridership routes in the system.

Click here to get the chart (PDF).

The highlighted blue are routes the 10 lowest ridership routes in the system.  You’ll notice on the bottom of the page many of the low ridership routes will not be cut.  These bus routes carry 10-40 people per day and cost on average $27 dollars per passenger in places where transit doesn’t work. By comparison, the average cost per rider on Route #1 is $2.76 and that route carries 7,600 people per day.  The entire fixed-route system (with all of its efficient and inefficient fixed routes) costs on average $6.83 per rider

During financially constrained times, we cannot afford high cost, low ridership bus routes.  We must focus our efforts on where we get the most bang for our buck and hurt the fewest number of riders. 
So, why is Pierce Transit  cutting the highest ridership routes by 30-40% but not cutting our heaviest subsidized bus routes at all?

TNT Reports "Pierce Transit cuts to stay""

The Tacoma News Tribune is reporting that the temporary cuts that Pierce Transit enacted due to the fueling station fire are here to stay.  The cuts, which have amounted to a 20% reduction, will stay in place until October when there will be an additional 15% reduction in service.  As it stands right now the high frequency trunk routes 1,2, and 3 will be cut by 30-40% in October from their original levels, which will directly hurt the areas that supported proposition one the most.

Safe to say, it is a tough time for transit riders & advocates in Pierce County right now.  The good news is the cuts plan is not finalized and advocates and citizens can make comments to the Pierce Transit Board about the proposed cuts at a series of upcoming public meetings.

I heard from Pierce Transit that they have not had to lay off any drivers yet at the agency because they have to have all drivers working to keep buses on the street and fueled.  That said, it is a tough time for bus drivers in Pierce County right now with massive layoffs equaling 20% of the workforce on the imminent horizon.

Pierce Transit Riders and Drivers are Running out of Options

More from the Pierce Transit Press Release:

Pierce Transit Chief Executive Officer Lynne Griffith stated, “In response to comments we heard from our riders, the focus of this service change will be to get people to jobs and school and reduce low ridership routes and trips.”  The June 2011 service change will begin to incorporate elements of the reduction plan.  These service levels will be similar to the current emergency reduced service levels.  Details of the June service change will be published in The Bus Stops Here booklet available at the usual locations in early June.

Beginning April 2, the Reduction Plan Rider Alert pamphlet will be available on-board buses, at Bus Shop locations, at Pierce Transit Headquarters, and at piercetransit.org. This pamphlet provides route-by-route information about the proposed service reductions. 

SHUTTLE paratransit service for people with disabilities will also be reduced on October 2, 2011.  This service operates on the same days and during the same time within ¾ of a mile of bus routes.  As bus service is reduced, SHUTTLE service will be reduced.

Pierce Transit Announces Cuts Hearings

Mark you Calendars.  Pierce Transit has announced that they will be holding a series of community meetings to discuss upcoming drastic cuts to bus service.

We will be there in full force. Will you? More to come.
http://www.piercetransit.org/

Lakewood / University Place
Monday,  April 11
4– 6:00pm
Pierce Transit Training Center
Rainier Room
3720 96th St SW, Lakewood

Gig Harbor / Key Peninsula
Monday,  April 18
4 – 6:00pm
Gig Harbor Civic Center
Council Chambers
3510 Grandview St, Gig Harbor

Tacoma
Thursday, April 21
5– 7:00pm
Municipal Building
Council Chambers – 1st Floor
747 Market St, Tacoma

Puyallup / South Hill
Monday,  April 25
4– 6:00pm
Puyallup City Hall
Council Chambers
333 S Meridian, Puyallup

East Pierce County
Thursday,  April 28
5:30 – 7:30pm
Interim Justice Center
Council / Court Chambers
9002 Main St E, Bonney Lake

Pierce Transit to Cut 35% This October

Yesterday Pierce Transit had all all day work session covering everything from the future of Pierce Transit, PT's service size, to their cuts plan.  I was at the very interesting meeting all day and was live tweeting the event which you can find on our twitter @Transpochocies .

I left an hour before the explosion, all I can say is thank God nobody got hurt.

There were a lot of contentious discussions about the future of PT and their service size yesterday, but one of the bold things the board did do is direct staff to implement the full 35% service cuts in October (as soon as possible) with the failure of proposition one.  From my perspective this is good news in that voters and the community will realize Pierce Transit wasn't lying when they said they would have to cut service by 35% if Prop. 1 didn't pass.

Here is the full release from Pierce Transit:

Nine of the ten Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners participated in a work session yesterday with the goal of ensuring that they had all the information they needed to make a decision about next steps after the failure of Proposition 1, which asked voters to approve using the final 0.3% sales tax authority available to Pierce Transit to preserve existing service levels.

The Board directed staff to go forward in reducing the system by approximately 35% by October, 2011.  All service and staff reductions will occur by that date.  These actions will stabilize the agency’s finances and allow for short and long-term sustainability.

Public hearings will be held in the following communities in April:

o   Tacoma

o   Gig Harbor

o   Puyallup

o   Lakewood

o   Bonney Lake

Dates and times for the public hearings will be announced in a later communication.  The Board will take formal action for the October service reduction at their May 9, 2011 meeting.

Claudia Thomas, Board of Commissioners Chair, stated, “The Board is deeply regretful about the impacts of this decision on Pierce Transit riders, the community and employees.”

The Board will not pursue exercising ballot authority at this time but did not rule out using it in the future.

 

"I Can't Believe So Many People Care about Buses"

Last night as I stood in a crowded room at the Hub in Tacoma, I was reminded why we get up and do what we do everyday at TCC.

At the campaign kickoff for "Save our Buses", the campaign to stave off 35% cuts to bus service in Pierce County, the community came out in full force supporting the measure.  While we were checking people in and the line was snaking out to the door, one of the campaign staffers leaned over to me and said, "This is awesome, I can't believe so many people care about buses."

Working at TCC I have the pleasure, time and time again, to hear why transit service is important to people across Washington State.  Last night we had over 100 people turn out to Save Our Buses in Pierce County because they care, they care about their community and the important role transit plays to build their community.  Last night the room was packed with those stories of why bus service matters.  Whether it was a visually impaired rider who relies on the bus for independence or a Downtown Tacoma commuter who uses the bus to save money, the stories were endless and encouraging.

Thank for turning out for the campaign kick-off !  If you were not able to attend or don't live in Pierce County, please consider visiting the campaign website to learn how you can volunteer or donate approveprop1.com or by visiting the campaign on facebook.  As Rep. Liias pointed out in his editorial today, this election is important not just for Pierce County residents but for advocates of transportation choices from across the state.

Happy rainy Friday, thank you for all that you do and stay tuned.  Here are some photos of last night's festivities.

 A crowded House 

Mayor Strickland Brings the Message Home

Pierce Transit Open Houses to Discuss Draft Alternative Plans

Pierce Transit is evaluating its 30-year old structure and services. Help them plan for the future!

Join Pierce Transit for an Open House to discuss service changes through draft Alternatives 1 and 2. Last fall, Pierce Transit started reaching out to riders and the general public. They 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, they 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. The refined plans are now available. More information can be found at www.pttomorrow.org.


Pierce Transit Open House Location and Dates:

* BONNEY LAKE: June 2nd, 5:00-7:00pm, Bonney Lake Senior Center, 19304 Bonney Lake Blvd., Bonney Lake 98390; Served by Route 407

* PARKLAND/SPANAWAY: June 3rd, 4:30pm-6:30pm, Pacific Lutheran University, East Campus (Gym), Corner of 121st S and Pacific Ave, Tacoma 98447; Served by Routes 1, 45, 55, 204, 410, 444

* PUYALLUP/SOUTH HILL/SUMNER: June 7th, 4:30pm-6:30pm, Kalles Junior High School (Commons), 501 Seventh Ave SE, Puyallup 98372; Served by Route 402

* LAKEWOOD/UNIVERSITY PLACE: June 8th, 4:30pm-6:30pm, Pierce Transit Training Center, 3720 96th St SW, Lakewood 98499; Served by Routes 48, 300

* TACOMA: June 9th, 4:30pm-6:30pm, The Evergreen State College (Commons), 1210 6th Ave, Tacoma 98405; Served by Routes 1, 16, 28, 57

* GIG HARBOR/KEY PENINSULA: June 10th, 4:30pm-6:30pm, Civic Center (Council Chambers), 3510 Grandview St, Gig Harbor 98335; Served by Route 100

In addition, consider attending a Public Hearing that will be held by the Board of Commissioners on June 14th and formally comment on the alternatives as they may have major impacts on the community where you reside or work. Comments on the final alternatives are encouraged and may be submitted in person or in writing.

Public Hearing on System Redesign Alternatives
June 14th, 4:00pm
Pierce Transit Training Center
3720 96th St SW, Lakewood 98499
Served by Routes 48, 300

Settling the Stage for a top two Republican Battle in the 2nd Legislative District?

Brad Shannon at the Olympian today gives a critical update on the political shuffling going on in East Pierce County. Last week Tom Campbell announced that he would not challenge Adam Smith for his Congressional seat. A few days earlier J.T. Wilcox of the Wilcox farms family announced he would run for the legislature in the 2nd legislative district to fill Campbell's spot.

Today Shannon reports that Wilcox will stay in the race and run against Campbell in 2010 setting the stage for a potential Republican v. Republican battle royale in the general election due the the top two primary.

This could be a fight that is very interesting to watch. Campbell, who cites his commitment to finishing the cross-base highway as one of the primary reasons he wants to return to Olympia, is a moderate Republican who chairs a committee in the Democratically controlled House and has run as a Democrat in the past. In Shannon's article it is clear that Wilcox is pushing an anti-establishment anti-incumbent message highlighting his financial and business experience. No Democrats have jumped into the race yet.

For all of your political junkies out there; keep your eyes peeled to this one.



J.T. Wilcox


Rep. Tom Campbell

Cross-Base Controversy Continues

The controversy surrounding cross-base highway and the celebration that WSDOT help last week continues to heat up.

Erica over a Publicola has gives the story lengthy coverage here.

In related news, Tom Campbell recently announced that he will not run against Congressman Adam Smith and will instead remain in the State Legislature. He cites his commitment to finishing cross-base highway as one of his primary reasons for staying put in the legislature. The Nisqually Vally News has that report here.

Our friend Jen has photos from the celebration event, which I attended with her, on her flicker.

Here is the full press release the environmental community released after celebration last week:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2009

Contacts:
Jen Watkins, Conservation Northwest, (206) 940-7914
Krystal Kyer, Tahoma Audubon, (253) 232-9978.
Andrew Austin, Transportation Choices Coalition, (253) 732-9434


Controversial Highway Project Continues to Attract Opposition
Conservationists, local businesses, and citizens still oppose new highway construction across rare and endangered prairie habitat

This morning, opponents of the Cross-Base Highway (SR 704) showed up to an event intended to celebrate the completion of the first phase of the controversial project in Pierce County. The Washington Department of Transportation hosted the event as the completion of the first section of the Cross-Base Highway and introduction of the first new state route since 1997. The project has drawn strong opposition since its inception, because it would bisect the largest remnant oak woodland-prairie left in western Washington and drive out local equestrian businesses. Opponents also are concerned the project would encourage undesirable sprawl and waste taxpayer money on building an expensive new highway when less expensive alternatives have not been seriously considered.

“While the Spanaway Loop Road improvements are very much needed, politicians are making empty promises about building a road we can’t afford and we don’t need,” stated Bryan Flint, Executive Director of Tahoma Audubon.

Voters rejected Proposition 1 in November 2007, which included funding for the Cross-Base Highway. Funding for traffic improvement to the intersection at Pacific Ave (SR 7) and 176th Ave has come from the State transportation budget, but there is no funding available for the next phase of the proposed construction of the new highway. “In these tough economic times, it is highly questionable to be planning for construction of a destructive new highway in Washington State when we cannot find the dollars to maintain our existing road system,” said Jen Watkins of Conservation Northwest. “Taxpayers are taking note of these irresponsible decisions.”

The proposed Cross-Base Highway would be a four-lane, six-mile brand new highway that would run along the northern border of Fort Lewis in Pierce County bisecting one of the last remaining oak prairie woodlands in western Washington. The unique oak woodland-prairies, today the rarest habitat type in Washington State, once covered nearly 150,000 acres across the south Puget Sound lowlands. Today, because of development, agriculture, and other factors, only about 3 percent remains.

The proposed highway still faces multiple unresolved legal issues on its environmental analysis and was repeatedly held up as a bad example and low priority for funding during the discussions around the failed Roads and Transit ballot measure in 2007.

”The Cross Base project is just as bad for habitat, sprawl, and greenhouse gas emissions now as it was when voters rejected the funding package in 2007,” stated Tim Gould of the Sierra Club Cascade Chapter’s Transportation Committee.

He continued that “at a time when we need to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions from transportation and adjust to future rising energy prices, the proposed Cross-Base Highway would move us in the wrong direction.”

In a 2003 public poll on regional transportation planning and projects contracted by the Regional Transportation Investment District, the Cross-Base Highway ranked last of all proposed Pierce County projects, with only 10% of those polled stating it was a project of importance to the region. “There are many Pierce County projects on the table that have widespread support and are crucial for regional mobility,” stated Rob Johnson, Executive Director of Transportation Choices Coalition. “We should focus limited taxpayer dollars on completing 167, extending the Pierce County HOV network, and supporting local transit agencies.”

“The bottom line is that we cannot support wasting taxpayer dollars on a project that destroys some of the last remaining oak woodland prairie in western Washington, especially when reasonable alternatives exist,” commented Dave Werntz, Science and Conservation Director of Conservation Northwest.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service believes that the remaining South Puget Sound prairies may be possibly the rarest habitat in North America, home to at least 29 species of federal and/or state threatened, endangered, candidate and sensitive plant and animal species of concern, 18 of which are in the immediate vicinity of the proposed Cross-Base Highway.

WSDOT Claims partial completion of Cross-Base Highway

I am going to refrain from editorializing heavily here, but just as a FYI, WSDOT released a press release claiming that phase one of cross-base highway is complete.

WSDOT has built the start of what looks like a new highway but it is only 3/4 of a mile long and connects two existing roads. The messaging coming out of of WSDOT claiming victory is concerning and something that TCC will be keeping an eye on closely. Essentially WSDOT has connected Highway 7 to Spanaway Loop road with an extremely short highway, which is a different reality than building a brand new 4-6 general purpose freeway all the way to I-5, which is neither funded or something that the state can afford.

Here is their press release.

SPANAWAY – WSDOT will celebrate the elimination of a Pierce County chokepoint and the first new state highway section to be built in more than a decade during a ceremony Wednesday, Aug. 26.

State Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond is expected to be joined by several federal, state and local officials Wednesday at a ribbon-cutting ceremony where they will unveil the new highway sign for the first segment of the State Route 704 Cross Base Highway.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony details: 10 a.m. Wednesday, near the intersection of 176th Street South and Eighth Avenue Court South.

This first segment – about three quarters of a mile – improves traffic flow at the intersection of SR 7 and SR 704 with dual right-turn lanes from SR 704 to southbound SR 7 and dual left-turn lanes from northbound SR 7 to SR 704.

The first federal- and state-funded project – built for about $9.5 million – is part of an estimated $318 million planned six-mile Cross Base Highway that stretches east to west between Fort Lewis and McChord military bases, connecting SR 7 to I-5 in Lakewood. The remaining Cross Base segments will be completed as funding becomes available.

Stay Tuned for the response coming from the environmentally community in the next few days