cartky.org

Okay, though I'm still waiting to hear back from some people, here's my take on the Metro Council meeting:

Tina Ward-Pugh asked us to speak on our proposal.

We got up and talked briefly on the "why" you might want to do this thing. Synopsis: have you looked at fuel prices lately?

Judith Green asked: "So does TARC actually support this proposal?"

We said: We can't answer for TARC.

Presenters: David Coyte, David Morse, Catherine "Katie" McBride.

Proposal: 0.2% increase to occupational income tax levy for TARC

• Generates ~$40 million.
• TARC's current operational budget is ~$67 million. (~$40 million from existing occupational tax)
• This would be the first tax increase for TARC since 1975.

Transit has graduated from "social service" to economic safety net

The energy crisis is a long-term crisis. It is bad now. It is getting worse.

CART to address Metro Council regarding increased TARC funding proposal

On Monday we need all friends of Transit to turn out at the Metro Council Transportation & Public Works meeting. Show our leaders that transit is a priority.

The meeting is at 5pm sharp at City Hall.

CART is proposing the city increase funding to TARC by $40 million to restore bus service to meet current demand and massively improve the system. Read our full proposal here.

After-party at Bearno's by the Bridge, 131 W. Main Street. 584-7437. Bring your own pizza money! Wheelchair accessible through the back.

Council:

Approve a ballot initiative generating $40 million in additional funding to TARC, by 0.2% increase in the occupational tax.

2008 marks the 'tipping point' on commuter behavior. An IBM study conducted this year shows commuter response to gas prices:

Graphic source: WSJ - Riders Swamp Public Transit

Just got back from Metro Council Budget, where there was a lively debate on transit options.  Download the entertaining audio files:

1. Barry Barker's Initial Remarks - 13m
2. Hybrids versus Clean Diesel - 9m
3. TARC Senior Shopping trips, Charter busses, Q&A, TARC outside Jefferson Co. - 14m
4. Commuter Rail on the Paducah & Louisville line, || Dixie Highway. "the Easiest way to add capacity to Dixie Highway" -BB. also: Louisville - Shelbyville - Frankfurt - Lexington line? - 2m
5. Bus Rapid Transit corridors and neighborhood circulators - 2m
6. Tina Ward-Pugh: More P&L, Dusting off T2 Light Rail, reasons for failure of T2 - 4m
7. Grants, yet more P&L, Heiner: "Light Rail: the Sexiest Option" but expensive. Light Rail's effectiveness at blunting oil shock. - 5m
8. TARC's Focus: BRT, not taxes. Yet more P&L - 2m

Dear Metro Council Representative:

We urge you to act immediately to increase funding for TARC!

Higher Gas Prices Rob Our Local Economy;
“Keep it Local” Through Public Transit Investment

Three big transportation events occur on Monday June 16th:

TARC Board of Directors Meeting

1pm, TARC Board Room, Union Station: This is the board meeting where TARC is expected to vote in both the high rate cuts and the $2 million in cut service. They're busted and simply have no alternative. This is also where CART will formally ask TARC for a plan on how they would spend an additional source of revenue to increase operations.

Metro Council Transportation & Public Works Committee

5pm, Council Chambers, City Hall: They will hear a report from Barry Barker, executive director of TARC, about the fare increase and service cuts.

Confident Cycling Class

6pm, Downtown YMCA: Bicycling for Louisville will begin it's all-singing, all-dancing bicycle urban skills class. In cooperation with the YMCA, enrollment in this class also comes with four day passes to use the Y. Bicycling for Louisville has more information and a link to enroll online.

Barry Barker is to come before Metro Council's Transportation Subcommittee and speak on June 16th at 5pm. Details can be found at this city web page. The topic of discussion will be TARC fare increases and service cuts.

the Earth Day issue

• Call to Action on Climate Change
• Metro Council to Consider Light Rail!!!
• Louisville Metro Planning a Pedestrian Forum
• Kentucky Planning Bicycle and Pedestrian Conference
• Getting to the Future by Rail
• FHWA to Portland: Put Cars First
• Drivecam Reduces Risky Behavior Among Teen Drivers
• Santa Barbara's Approach to Housing
• World's Largest Bus unveiled

 Download PDF (1 big page, 500kB)

Contents:

• The most shortsighted and politically motivated decision the city has ever suffered.
• other tidbits...