[Transit] Draft LD Resolution in support of a measure to expand transit service in King County

[Sarah Reyneveld]

Hello, I am following-up on the great idea to introduce a resolution in
support of a measure to expand Metro Transit service in King County to
build momentum and support. I am hoping to introduce a version of this
resolution at the April meeting of the 36th District Democrats. Can you
please provide me with any feedback? Dave, Wes, or others connected with
the LDs, are you interested in signing on and/or helping to present? Thanks
in advance for your thoughts!


Sarah


___________

Resolution in support of a measure to restore and expand transit service in
King County


WHEREAS the effects of global climate change are already being felt here in
Washington
<https://www.pugetsoundinstitute.org/2020/02/new-report-describes-anticipated-climate-change-effects-in-washington-state/>
with natural catastrophes like this year’s heat dome, rising sea levels,
unprecedented droughts, and rampant wildfires,



WHEREAS transportation is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas
emissions of any sector in Washington, and transitioning to low emissions
public transportation will be a crucial part of our survival as a species,



WHEREAS King County Metro Transit service has languished since the
pandemic, ridership as been cut in half, and transit riders have
experienced canceled routes, delays in service, and a growing frustration
that they are not a priority,

WHEREAS challenges recruiting and retaining King County Metro bus operators
<https://www.realchangenews.org/news/2023/03/08/king-county-metro-service-struggles-amid-bus-driver-shortage>
and a general shortage of bus drivers has led to canceled routes and delays
in service,



WHEREAS lack of access to reliable, frequent, fast, and convenient transit
adversely impacts every resident of our region, but disproportionately
impacts those who depend on transit including youth, elderly, those with
fixed incomes, communities of color, and people with disabilities;

WHEREAS we are losing major gains getting people out of cars and into
environmentally sustainable and space-friendly transit.

WHEREAS the most recent Commute Seattle Survey
<https://www.commuteseattle.com/2022survey/> shows that to restore and
increase ridership King County should invest in transit service to ensure
it is frequent, fast, reliable, safe, and convenient.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the 36h District Democrats urges members of
the King County Council to bring a revenue package to the people of King
County to fund a Transportation Benefit District to restore and expand
transit service in King County. Specifically, the funding package should do
the following:


   - Restore and expand Metro Transit service to increase frequency, speed,
   reliability, accessibility, convenience, and safety;
   - Provide bonuses, increased pay, flexibility and appropriate incentives
   to help to recruit and retain bus operations;
   - Expand free and subsidized transit to those who are cost burdened.


BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the
King County Council and Executive.

Submitted by Sarah Reyneveld, 36th District Democrats PCO and Transit
Riders Union member (PLEASE ADD YOUR NAME…..)
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