Executive suspends process for Eastside transit changes planned for 2000
King County Executive Ron Sims has suspended the transit service change process for the Eastside until the outcome of Initiative 695, the "$30 License Tab Fee" initiative, is known in November. King County Metro Transit had been planning to restructure bus service on the Eastside in June and September 2000.
Executive Sims said he believes it is more important to concentrate limited staff resources on shaping system priorities under a reduced budget that would be required if voters approve Initiative 695. Budget cuts would take effect on Jan. 1, 2000. The full effect of budget reductions would occur in 2001, when about 30 percent of current transit service would need to be eliminated.
Suspending the service change process means that changes planned for June 2000 will be delayed. If the initiative fails, some of the changes could take place in September 2000.
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