Public Transit Department asks users on feedback about proposed budget‏

PHOENIX PUBLIC TRANSIT NEEDS FEEDBACK ON NEW BUDGET CUTS

Feedback will shape response to state funding cuts totaling approx. $11 million

The Phoenix Public Transit Department is soliciting public feedback on new budget cuts required because of actions taken to balance the State of Arizona budget. The department will hold community outreach events in each of Phoenix’s eight council districts to get residents’ opinions of possible service reductions. The public can also provide input online through an online survey at www.phoenix.gov/publictransit or by e-mailing pubtrans@phoenix.gov with the subject line “Budget Cuts Feedback.”

In the budget passed by the legislature in March, a sweep of the Local Transportation Assistance Funds (LTAF) cost the City of Phoenix approximately $11 million over the remainder of this fiscal year and next year, 2010-11. These new reductions are in addition to service changes approved in the city budget adopted in March by the Phoenix City Council. These new reductions could affect all city transit services, including local bus routes and RAPID routes, as well as Dial-a-Ride service.

Options for changes to service include elimination or service reduction of certain bus routes; reduction of Dial-a-Ride service to federally-mandated minimums; and partial reduction or complete elimination of the Phoenix Neighborhood Circulator program, a free transit service that travels through communities, and connects residents to schools, shops and other public services. Public Transit Department staff will be asking for feedback from the public at the following events, and will also be available to answer questions.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH SCHEDULE

Tuesday, March 30, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Pecos Community Center
17010 S. 48th Street

Thursday, April 1, 9:30 a.m.
Public Transit Department Offices, 4th Floor
302 N. First Ave.

Tuesday, April 6, 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Sunnyslope Transit Center (courtyard)
8927 N. 3rd St.

Wednesday, April 7, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Bret Tarver Learning Center
1516 N. 35th Ave.

Thursday, April 8, 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
MetrocenterTransitCenter
9415 N. Metro Parkway

Thursday, April 8, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Ed PastorTransitCenter
10 W. Broadway Rd.

Thursday, April 8, 5 - 7 p.m.
Agave Public Library
23550 N. 36th Ave.

Monday, April 12, 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Paradise Valley Mall Transit Center
4623 E. Paradise Village Parkway North

Monday, April 12, 4 - 6 p.m.
Hope VI CTEC
1150 S. 7th Ave.

Monday, April 12, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Paradise Valley Community Center
17402 N. 40th St.

Tuesday, April 13, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Cowden Center - John C. Lincoln Hospital
9202 N. 2nd St.

Tuesday, April 13, 6 - 8 p.m.
Desert Sky Mall (meeting room near Cinema Latina)
761 W. Thomas Rd.

Wednesday, April 14, 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Central Station
Central Ave. & Van Buren St.

For more information, call Phoenix Public Transit at 602-262-7242, or visit www.phoenix.gov/publictransit or e-mail pubtrans@phoenix.gov.

Source: Phoenix Public Transit