Kucinich Opposes Cuts In Cleveland RTA Bus Service
Washington,
Sep 23, 2004 -
Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) sent the following letter today to Mr. Joseph A. Calabrese, General Manager of the Cleveland Regional Transit Authority:
Dear Mr. Calabrese:
I am concerned that proposed cuts in the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority’s (RTA) lines in the West Shore suburbs will have an adverse effect on riders who depend of the service. I ask that you cancel these proposed cuts in service and work with RTA’s Citizens Advisory Council and the people of Bay Village, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, Rocky River, and Westlake to find alternative resolution to the funding and ridership problems RTA has identified.
Bus lines 46, 46F, 53, and 808 serve seniors, persons with disabilities, low income commuters who cannot afford cars, and others who choose to patronize public transportation. These lines are an indispensable resource for the people of the West Shore suburbs, especially those with little or no choice but to use public transportation.
Many of these riders came to RTA’s public meeting today at noon at the Westgate Transfer Station and many more are expected at tonight’s meeting. Those who spoke were unanimous in their support for the continuation of these lines. Many were seniors with health problems or low incomes that prevent them from driving. I support their efforts to retain this important transportation resource.
I understand that in this time of persistent recession when sales tax revenues are down, that RTA must find ways to balance its budget. I support such efforts and ask that you find ways to increase ridership in this area. I also ask that you engage your West Shore patrons, in conjunction with the Citizens Advisory Council, to work together with RTA to find new ways to market the service and find ways to cut costs without cutting off riders from the bus lines on which they depend.
