DAVE ROSS

Why drivers should care more about King County bus cuts

Jul 3, 2013, 7:20 AM | Updated: 9:46 am

Fed-up bus riders have organized the Transit Riders Union and are planning their first protest agai...

Fed-up bus riders have organized the Transit Riders Union and are planning their first protest against the coming cuts in bus service. (AP Photo/File)

(AP Photo/File)

Since the legislature adjourned without approving new transit money, King County Metro is now in the process of cutting bus service by 17 percent for next year.

Fed-up bus riders have organized the Transit Riders Union and are planning their first protest against the coming cuts in bus service.

Katie Wilson, a bus user and volunteer director of the TRU, says it’s irresponsible of the legislature to not come through with any funding option for public transit.

“Our membership (of the TRU) is largely low income – lots of people who depend on public transit, whether it’s because they are low income or because they’re disabled, or seniors who don’t drive any more,” says Wilson.

Taxing drivers isn’t necessarily the solution to supplement the lack of transit funds, says Wilson. It is, however, the only option the legislature is currently considering, according to Wilson.

Drivers won’t be in the clear if they don’t have to pay more taxes.

“If these cuts happen, there will be thousands upon thousands of more cars. If every commuter has a car, has that option, they’re going to get in it,” says Wilson. “They don’t want to see full buses pass them by. So congestion is going to get much, much worse. So this isn’t just an issue for people who depend on public transit.”

Instead of taxing drivers, Wilson points to a more progressive state income tax already in effect in other states.

“There are a lot of extremely wealthy corporations in King County which benefit from having a transit system (that) are not paying very much in taxes, at all, to our state,” says Wilson.

The Transit Riders Union protest is tentatively planned for Saturday, July 20 at Westlake Park. “We’ll be making a lot of noise, trying to get some transit funding and just a more, progressive state tax structure, ultimately,” says Wilson.

A lot of people, frustrated with the state legislature, may have a reason to come out and express their dismay, says Wilson.

MyNorthwest.com’s Alyssa Kleven contributed to this report.

Dave's Commentary

Dave Ross on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM
  • listen to dave rossTune in to KIRO Newsradio weekdays at 5am for Dave Ross on Seattle's Morning News.

Dave Ross

car culture...

Dave Ross

Ross: Are we killing car culture? Or is car culture killing the US?

I don’t think the question is whether we're going to "kill" our car culture. The real question is can we stop our car culture from killing the U.S.?

3 days ago

drivers data insurance...

Dave Ross

Ross: As cars release driving data to insurance, is your driving my business?

Every move you make, every swerve you take, every lane change you fake – someone’s watching you. Do drivers have a right to keep driving data private?

10 days ago

rent control...

Dave Ross

Ross: Rent control was never the answer in Wash.

The rent control bill died in the Washington State Legislature this week, even though Democrats control both houses.

1 month ago

end of democracy...

Dave Ross

Ross: Conservative activist earns applause for pledging an ‘end of Democracy’

The theme from Jack Posobiec's speech is that Jan. 6 was a righteous attack not on democracy, but on those who threaten democracy.

1 month ago

Image: Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colorado, is seen on Capitol Hill on Jan. 6, 2023. (Photo: Alex Brand...

Dave Ross

Ross: Voters can help cull bad politicians from the herd early

Let's remember that just about every occupant of a higher office once occupied a lower office, and was put there by us, Dave Ross says.

1 month ago

Super Bowl celebration...

Dave Ross

Ross: The NFL does it again

The NFL once again put on a show that was able to keep me tuned in for four hours even though I had no stake in either team.

1 month ago

Why drivers should care more about King County bus cuts