Councilmember Larry Phillips statement on Governor’s Ferry District proposal: Save Metro Transit service first

January 7, 2011

Summary

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Metropolitan King County Council Environment and Transportation Committee Chair Larry Phillips had the following reaction to Governor Chris Gregoire’s proposal to create a regional ferry district encompassing King County to take over responsibility of running the state ferry system:

“The residents of King County are facing up to a 20 percent loss of Metro Transit service—the equivalent of losing one out of every five bus routes—which will be devastating to the economic recovery of our region. Metro is a lifeline for King County residents, providing over 110 million rides annually and a cost-effective, environmentally-friendly alternative for getting to and from work and other important destinations.

“Any transportation proposal involving King County must include stable funding for Metro Transit service. We have to save Metro before we consider helping the state save its ferry system from Tim Eyman.”