Bills to gut public transit would mean job losses, sky-high fares

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?news_6_4838

By Michael Moore
7 April 2011

ST. PAUL - Republicans in the Minnesota House of Representatives have laid out their vision for statewide public transportation services – a vision that includes bus fares as high as $7, layoffs for up to 550 drivers and more rush-hour congestion.

House Republicans on March 28 passed a bill that would eliminate $120 million in funding for the Metropolitan Council, which operates the Twin Cities regional transit system, and $7.6 million in funding for rural transportation services.

The bill passed despite impassioned pleas from a broad coalition of transportation advocates, including unions that represent public transit workers, for House leaders to reconsider the effect of such steep transit cuts on Minnesota’s seniors, students, working families and disabled people – as well as the businesses they patronize.

“Transit services are critical to the economic vitality of the region,” Met Council Chair Susan Haigh wrote in a letter to House leaders sent March 24. “Eighty percent of our customers use transit to get to school and work, and the availability and use of public transportation services significantly reduces congestion on our roads.”

The bill likely will change before it reaches Gov. Mark Dayton’s desk. Republicans in the Senate passed a companion bill April 4 calling for just $32 million in cuts to the Met Council.



Union leaders Michelle Sommers and Ed Reynoso addressed a Capitol news conference.

Photo by Michael Moore

FULL story at link.

[aquart]

1. OR they could tax the rich.

[no_hypocrisy]

2. Penny Wise, Pound Foolish.

[niyad]

3. sheesh, I hope the morans running transit here don't see that--they are already doing their best to

eliminate transit here. so much depends on the runoff election for mayor. the repuke, naturally, wants to eliminate it, the dem wants to strengthen it. (the soon-to-be former mayor once referred to all who use transit as lowlifes and bums)