Tuesday April 27 marked the last day that residents could cast their votes on Proposition 1, which encourages an increase of sales tax to fund Whatcom Transportation Authority.
These buses are a common sight to many Happy Valley residents. “I am 100 percent dependent on buses and use them at least once or twice a day,” said Aliza Pilisuk.
However, with the voting on Proposition 1 occurring this week, public transportation may become a less frequent convenience in Happy Valley if the public votes against the proposition. Cuts of 14 percent on bus lines may occur if it does not pass.
Due to the recession, revenues for the WTA have decreased, according to the WTA April Fact Sheet. With 90 percent of revenue coming from local sales tax, this is no small matter. Since 2007, reserve funds have been a crutch for the lacking WTA revenue. This reserve will be entirely depleted by late 2011 if no additional tax gets implemented to replenish funds.
The current sales tax is six-tenths of one percent, with a proposed increase of two-tenths of one percent. This means that 6 cents out of every ten dollar purchase goes towards WTA currently. An additional 2 cents would be added on top of that if Proposition 1 is passed.
WTA ridership has been steadily increasing during the past two years and 2008 showed the highest increase in ridership in the state. These statistics show that cuts will affect a significant percent of riders.
WTA said that a 14 percent cut would occur during fall 2010. As a result, Sunday lines would be non-existent and entire lines like lines 3 and 4 to Maplewood and the hospital would disappear. Further cuts would continue through 2012 by as much as 20 percent.
“It would be really bad if I needed to go to the hospital. I would ride the bus normally but if the bus doesn’t run there anymore then I don’t know what I would do,” said Pilisuk.
City Councilmember Stan Snapp, who sits on the WTA board, said that he voted in favor of Proposition 1, as did many of his peers. “I certainly hope it passes. Such a huge cross-section of our community depends on WTA for transportation,” he said. “I voted for the measure as did everyone that I know. The City Council passed a Resolution supporting Proposition 1.”
Residents of Happy Valley like Sam Payne have expressed concern over the possibility of cut Sunday lines. “I really depend on the bus for transportation because I don’t have a car. It wouldn’t be so bad in the summer if Sunday lines were cut because I could ride my bike, but it would be harsh in the winter with all the rain.”
Voting ceased on Tuesday and the results are still being tallied.
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