Muni “Emergency” Budget Has Wrong PrioritiesPaul Hogarthbyline‚ May. 01‚ 2009Facing a $129 million deficit, the Municipal Transportation Authority (MTA) passed an emergency budget yesterday that raised fares, cut more service and eliminated bus lines. Everyone knows we’re in a crisis, but this budget – which faces an “up-or-down” vote at the Board of Supervisors – fails to make the most fiscally prudent decisions, doesn’t ask everyone to fairly “share the pain” and leaves the City’s transit-dependent riders out in the cold. Cash fares and Fast Passes will go up (without improving the low-income Lifeline pass), while a parking fee hike that even the Chamber of Commerce supports was rejected. Bus lines were eliminated without adding service elsewhere, while Muni saved the 39-Coit – because enough rich people complained. And while the MTA made progress on the infamous “work order” fiasco, they’re still getting robbed $66.3 million by other City Departments – including $13 million from the Police. While Mayor Gavin Newsom’s City budget doesn’t ask everyone to sacrifice, neither does the MTA proposal. Seven Supervisors can vote to send it back. |