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

[Sarah Reyneveld]

Ok, I made a few updates to this. Let me know if any of you have any final
edits or would like to sign on. It is on the agenda for Wednesday's 36th
District Democrats meeting. Dave, I believe you are a PCO so happy to add
your name. Thanks!


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 operators 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, Black, Indigenous and 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. The proposed revenue package should rely on
a combination of sources and minimize to the extent possible regressive
revenue. The revenue will be dedicated to:


   - Restoring and expand Metro Transit service to increase frequency,
   speed, reliability, accessibility, and safety;
   - Providing bonuses, increased pay, flexibility and appropriate
   incentives to help to recruit and retain bus operations;
   - Capital improvements to make buses more efficient, reliable, and
   faster such as permanent, full time bus lanes, transit priority upgrades,
   and business access and transit lanes;
   - Expanding 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 (Additional names)

On Wed, Apr 12, 2023 at 12:48 PM Sarah Reyneveld <sarahreyneveld at gmail.com>
wrote:

> 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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