metro_logoThe Light Rail blog has some advice and details about a press conference on the cutbacks happening this a.m..

Metro’s complete list of changeshere

AZ Republic story here:

The transit cuts are prompted by declining sales-tax revenue and the Legislature taking all $22 million in annual Arizona Lottery money dedicated to transit service and using it to balance the state’s books.

Cities said they staved off deeper cuts with budget moves. Phoenix passed a 2-cents-per-dollar sales tax on food. Tempe dipped into transit-fund reserves. Scottsdale got City Council support to spend other funds on bus operations, and Glendale found federal grants. Mesa took funds from regional routes to salvage local runs.

The storiy details some of the effects the cuts will have on the disabled:

Katie Griffith of Gilbert says when the city gets rid of Sunday Dial-a-Ride, it will wipe out her means of getting around. Griffith is 24, has cerebral palsy and relies on shuttles to get to church in Gilbert, which she described as a critical part of her life. She says she has no choice but to stop attending.

“It’s like taking away part of my freedom to do things like everybody else,” she said.

David Carey, a 40-year-old Tempe man, gets around on a wheelchair, light rail and city bus service to get to work at the Arizona Bridge to Independent Living at Washington and 50th streets.

Starting today, the Route 1 bus will run only every 45 minutes, which Carey said could add an hour to his trip.