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Contact: Yvonne Morrow
Title: WestCAT Marketing Director
Office: (510) 724-3331 ext. 17
Email: yvonne@westcat.org
For Immediate Release
Posted 11 July 2008
WestCAT TRANSIT BOARD OF DIRECTORS FACED WITH TOUGH DECISIONS
Pinole, July 11, 2008 - 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. The rise in fuel prices alone will add an unprecedented $1 Million of expense to WestCAT's already battered FY08-09 budget, an expense for which there is no outside funding relief available. In addition, the recent May Revise proposal of the state budget by the Governor proposed cutting transit funding by almost $828 Million, which would result in a loss to WestCAT's operating budget of around $500,000. While the final budget totals are still being negotiated it is unlikely that the funding will be fully re-instated. This uncertainty coupled with the faltering economy, and significantly increased fuel costs are just a few of the factors now threatening to have a significant impact on WestCAT's ability to continue operating at the current service levels.
In order to address these issues a number of strategies designed by staff and presented to the Board where deliberated over during their latest meeting and several proposals will be presented to the public for their comments and suggestions at a public hearing scheduled for August. The strategies have been designed to assist WestCAT in sustaining current service and will include proposed reductions in fixed route service, a fare increase, and elimination of the 10-ride discount tickets.
"WestCAT is committed to trying to sustain the levels of service we have, but we are faced with some very tough decisions." commented WestCAT Transit Planner, Robert Thompson.
WestCAT will hold a Public Hearing on August 14, 2008 at 6:00 P.M. Hercules City Hall located at 111 Civic Drive, Hercules to respond to significant funding cuts and increased fuel costs for FY08-09. The Board will consider potential fare increases for fixed route and for the Lynx Transbay service, and possible service reductions of up to 30% of the current levels of service affecting local fixed route service.
Members of the public are encouraged to attend and comments are welcome. Written comments may also be submitted to WestCAT, 601 Walter Ave., Pinole 94564 prior to the August 14, 2008 public hearing or by using the comment form located on WestCAT's website at www.westcat.org.
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