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Report to the community
Winter 2000 - 2001
Voters approve transit tax
Metro Transit will be able to maintain its regular bus service because King County voters in November approved an increase in the local sales tax for transit. The 0.2 percent sales tax will raise about $80 million annually. The tax will pay for bus service that would have been eliminated because of loss of funding after voters passed Initiative 695 last year.
Over the next six years, the tax revenues will fund a gradual increase in public transportation service. As a result, the service areas and hours for Access Transportation also could change over the next six years. That's because ACCESS Transportation service areas and hours now match the service areas and hours of Metro buses with regular routes and timetables.
For example, an area with regular bus service from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. five days a week is also served by Access Transportation during those hours and days. An area without regular bus service is not served by Access Transportation.
Metro Transit revises its regular bus service three times a year. In 2001, minor changes are planned for February and June. More significant changes are planned for September 2001. Service changes can result in bus routes being added, eliminated or changed.
Over the next six years, Metro is proposing to use the sales tax revenues to make the following improvements:
- new service on the Eastside and in south King County
- more frequent service on key corridors
- improved bus shelters and bus zones
- more commuter service from park-and-ride lots, plus new park-and-ride lots.
Winter weather tips
 When snow or ice is predicted, check the weather forecast on days you plan to ride Access Transportation. Phone your call center or listen to local news to learn what level of Access Transportation service is available on days if the weather is bad. The call centers' phone systems will carry special announcements when service has been interrupted or suspended because of winter weather.
When service must be suspended, Access Transportation vehicles may still be available for emergency services such as trips to critical medical appointments or to pick up prescriptions, groceries and food bank items. Access Transportation staff will make every effort to provide service to customers who notify their call center that their trips are essential. Please note, however, that Access Transportation staff will make the final decision about whether a trip can be provided safely.
How to give feedback
If you have a complaint or commendation about Access Transportation, you can contact Accessible Services in the following ways:
- Use the "Tell us what you think" postcard found in the Access Transportation vans.
- Call your call center at 206-971-5522 (voice) or 206-971-5520 (TTY) or 800-201-8888 (voice) or 800-246-1646 (TTY).
- Send an e-mail to Access.CustomerService@kingcounty.gov
- Write Customer Service, King County Metro Accessible Services, EXC-TR-1240, 821 Second Ave., Suite 10, Seattle, WA 98104-1598.
For more information
Contact Metro’s Accessible Service Office:
- Phone: 206-263-3113
- TTY: 206-263-3116
- E-mail: Access.CustomerService@kingcounty.gov
- Fax: 206-263-3101
- Mail: King County Metro, Accessible Services, M.S. EXC-TR-1240, Suite 10, 821 Second Ave., Seattle, WA 98104-1598.
All Access Transportation printed materials (including this newsletter) are available in braille, on audio tape cassette, in large print and on computer diskette. Call 206-263-3113 (voice) or 206-263-3116 (TTY) to request a copy.
Produced by Transportation Community Relations.
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