Transit News Watch for June 25, 2009

Elk Grove transit service facing cuts
The Sacramento Bee
The revenue shortfall common to transit districts nationally is taking its toll in Elk Grove, where the City Council next month will consider reducing service levels. The city's e-tran bus service and its e-van service for senior and disabled passengers face a $1.7 million deficit for the next fiscal year, the city reported. California leaders have said local transit districts will have to do without the state's usual financial assistance, said Tiffani Fink, Elk Grove's transit system manager. That cut alone eliminates state funds to e-tran that used to reach $1 million annually. Another $500,000 is disappearing in the next fiscal year from sales taxes. And the district already raised fares April 1 to help make ends meet.
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AC Transit considers deep service cuts
San Francisco Chronicle
AC Transit, which already is set to raise fares July 1, now is looking at slashing service by nearly 15 percent to help balance the books. AC Transit is just the latest Bay Area transit agency that has approved or is considering fare hikes and service cuts. A drop in sales tax revenue and steep cuts from the state have punched big holes in their operating budgets.
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More Than $9,000 Saved Annually by Individuals Who ‘Dump the Pump’ and Help Save the Environment by Riding Public Transportation
American Public Transportation Association
Riding public transportation can save an individual an average of $9,068 a year based on the June 17, 2009 national average gas price and the unreserved monthly parking rate, according to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). This is the highest annual transit savings recorded for this year, as gas prices have increased by 95 cents since January.
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