Cash Fares, Tickets, Transfers and Passes as of 31 August 2008. Alert!
Funding that WestCAT was relying on to support its existing service has been drastically reduced in State Budget negotiations, and fuel prices spiked in spring 2008 and have remained higher than predicted. These two major components in determining WestCAT’s budget for fiscal year 08-09 have placed an enormous strain on WestCAT’s reserves, in the order of nearly $1.6 Million and that number may climb before the final State Budget is passed. If WestCAT had received the full amount of authorized funding under State statutes, we could have avoided making major changes in fares and service, but unfortunately the State’s budget crisis continues to divert more than $1 Billion each year from public transit funds. This has required WestCAT to dip into its remaining reserves to maintain current levels of service. [Click for More Information]
WestCAT Transit Board of Directors Faced with Tough Decisions
During the regular meeting of the Western Contra Costa Transit Authority (WestCAT) Board of Directors on Thursday, July 10, 2008, Board Members discussed the effects of rising fuel prices and the significant decrease in transportation funding available to WestCAT. [More]
Don't Stop the Bus! Say No to Transit Budget Cuts!
Dear WestCAT Customer, transit is facing a very difficult time with unprecedented demand for service and all of the proposed cuts in the Governor's budget. Now is the wrong time to cut transit and the right time for all of us to get involved. Contact your elected officials to tell them to Vote No on cuts to State Transit Assistance Funds (STA). [More]
Also read the California Transit Association's Executive Report at this link: CTA Report (Microsoft Word File)
Board Meeting Information
The next Western Contra Costa Transit Authority (WestCAT) Board of Directors meeting will be held at 6:00 PM on September 18, 2008 at the Hercules City Hall, 111 Civic Drive,
Hercules, CA 94547. [BOD Agenda]
The next Finance and Administration Committee meeting is scheduled for: TBA at the WestCAT Operations Facility, 601 Walter Avenue, Pinole CA 94564. [FA Agenda]
Public Transportation Reduces Greenhouse Gases and Conserves Energy
Public transportation is reducing energy consumption and harmful carbon dioxide (CO2) greenhouse gas emissions that damage the environment. Traveling by public transportation uses less energy and produces less pollution than comparable travel in private vehicles. To make progress in reducing our dependence on foreign oil and impacting climate change, public transportation must be part of the solution. [More]
Stuck in Rush Hour Traffic?
Think outside the car. Take our Lynx bus from Hercules to San Francisco non-stop. See our Lynx section for complete details. [Lynx Information] |