RTA disagrees with "plan for light rail, then renew bus tax"
February 8, 2008
| Plan for light rail, then renew bus tax By YAEL T. ABOUHALKAH, The Kansas City Star, Feb. 7, 2008 |
Kansas City Star columnist Yael Abouhalkah is off the mark on the bus tax. KCATA is working to produce a feasible light rail plan, and the Citizens Light-Rail Task Force has already made initial recommendations. An April bus election assures continued service for the many thousands of daily riders who, unlike Yael and me, have no other transportation. Waiting until November to renew a tax that sunsets in March 2009 puts basic transportation for these citizens in jeopardy.
The 3/8-cent tax increase was a prudent response to steady revenue declines. Between the 1972 vote and 2003 KCATA had cut service, even using nearly all its reserves. The 2003 bus tax prevented further reductions, and a “yes” vote this April will do the same.
Not only has KCATA avoided further cuts, they have made improvements such as the MAX, which has boosted Main Street corridor ridership by 40%. KCATA is working hard on bus and rail, and Yael's suggestion of delaying the bus vote until the eve of its tax sunset is irresponsible.
Margie Richcreek, Chair
Regional Transit Alliance