Tuesday, December 23, 2008
CDTA Board Ignores Pleas for Low Income Riders
Ignoring pleas from bus riders and transit advocates to "Stop the Hike", CDTA board approves a fare increase that will have an overwhelming impact on low-income riders during the worst economic downturn of my lifetime.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Coalition opposes CDTA's proposed bus fare hikes and service cuts
NEWS RELEASE
For Release 5:00 PM Monday December 22, 2008
Coalition opposes CDTA's proposed bus fare hikes and service cuts
News conference at Citizen Action, 94 Central Avenue, Albany, NY
The Stop the Hike Campaign, a new coalition of organizations, elected officials, and individual citizens, today called on CDTA not to approve proposed bus fare increases and service cuts at the CDTA board meeting tomorrow, Tuesday December 23.
The campaign collected over 800 signatures in 5 days on a petition opposing both the proposed rate hike and service cuts, presented to CDTA on December 12. [see petiton attached; Concerned citizens can sign the petition online at:
Speakers at Monday's news conference, held at Citizen Action, 94 Central Avenue in Albany, included Shawn Morris, President, Albany Common Council; Albany Councilmembers Corey Ellis, Barbara Smith and Cathy Fahey; Doug Bullock, Albany County Legislature, 8th District; Leah Golby, of Capital Region Transit Advocates; Mark Schaeffer of Citizen Action; Cliff Perez of the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley, and Nate Smith of Citizens for Public Transportation.
The CDTA Board of Directors is scheduled to vote on proposed fare increases at their meeting on Tuesday, December 23 at noon. The Stop the Hike Campaign is being launched by Capital Region Transit Advocates, Capital District Citizen Action, the Capital District Coalition for Accessible Transportation and Citizens for Public Transportation. The campaign opposes any rate hikes and any service cuts by CDTA, and calls on CDTA to find additional funding to maintain and improve bus service.
Shawn Morris, Albany Council President, said, "before CDTA balances their budget on the backs of their core riders, they need to work with employers, public and private sector alike, to encourage more workers to ride the bus and to improve services for the people who already support and depend upon public transportation."
Ward 4 Councilmember Barbara Smith, said "Access to public transportation should be viewed as a right. Low income people should not bear the burden of CDTA's budget deficit. Just as in the current economy as a whole, those who are least able to deal with increases in taxes, rates and fares are those expected to foot the bill - that has to change."
Ward 7 Councilmember Cathy Fahey said, "The bus fare hike is a social justice issue. The majority of people who ride the bus in the City of Albany are the poor, the working poor and/or the disabled. For them, affordable public transportation is a lifeline that enables them to get the basic needs of food, clothing and shelter met. They struggle every day to pay the current fare and most certainly can not afford a 50% increase. There will be less food on the table and the rent may not be paid on time if this increase is approved."
Nate Smith of Citizens for Public Transportation said, "It is natural to worry about how to pay for things in economic hard times, but we believe buses are part of the solution. We all pay for cars in subtle ways, from sprawling parking lots, to six lane roads, to air pollution and and climate disruption, as well as the direct costs of car payments, insurance, and gas."
"Raising bus fares will hurt the people who already can't afford to be part of our car culture and those who can't drive because disability. But we should invest in mass transit for the long term health of our economy, for energy independence, for social equity, for the environment and public health. Better transit service will improve the quality of life of our cities - as a long term alternative to sprawl."
Doug Bullock, 8th District Albany County Legislator, said: "All employers, public, private, and not for profit, should follow the lead of Albany County in providing transit passes to their workers in lieu of parking spaces. CDTA should pursue every source of revenue before increasing the burden on passengers, who are already struggling to make ends meet."
Mark Schaeffer of Citizen Action noted that according to Sunday's New York Times,
"The sorts of jobs Mr. Obama would propose to create involve construction work on roads, mass transit projects, weatherization of government buildings ... among others. .... The Obama team has a list of $136 billion in infrastructure projects from the National Governors Association that consists mostly of transit construction but also includes port expansions and renewable energy programs. ...Federal money to local governments would come with a 'use it or lose it' clause under Mr. Obama’s plans, advisers say."
# # #
For Release 5:00 PM Monday December 22, 2008
Coalition opposes CDTA's proposed bus fare hikes and service cuts
News conference at Citizen Action, 94 Central Avenue, Albany, NY
The Stop the Hike Campaign, a new coalition of organizations, elected officials, and individual citizens, today called on CDTA not to approve proposed bus fare increases and service cuts at the CDTA board meeting tomorrow, Tuesday December 23.
The campaign collected over 800 signatures in 5 days on a petition opposing both the proposed rate hike and service cuts, presented to CDTA on December 12. [see petiton attached; Concerned citizens can sign the petition online at:
Speakers at Monday's news conference, held at Citizen Action, 94 Central Avenue in Albany, included Shawn Morris, President, Albany Common Council; Albany Councilmembers Corey Ellis, Barbara Smith and Cathy Fahey; Doug Bullock, Albany County Legislature, 8th District; Leah Golby, of Capital Region Transit Advocates; Mark Schaeffer of Citizen Action; Cliff Perez of the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley, and Nate Smith of Citizens for Public Transportation.
The CDTA Board of Directors is scheduled to vote on proposed fare increases at their meeting on Tuesday, December 23 at noon. The Stop the Hike Campaign is being launched by Capital Region Transit Advocates, Capital District Citizen Action, the Capital District Coalition for Accessible Transportation and Citizens for Public Transportation. The campaign opposes any rate hikes and any service cuts by CDTA, and calls on CDTA to find additional funding to maintain and improve bus service.
Shawn Morris, Albany Council President, said, "before CDTA balances their budget on the backs of their core riders, they need to work with employers, public and private sector alike, to encourage more workers to ride the bus and to improve services for the people who already support and depend upon public transportation."
Ward 4 Councilmember Barbara Smith, said "Access to public transportation should be viewed as a right. Low income people should not bear the burden of CDTA's budget deficit. Just as in the current economy as a whole, those who are least able to deal with increases in taxes, rates and fares are those expected to foot the bill - that has to change."
Ward 7 Councilmember Cathy Fahey said, "The bus fare hike is a social justice issue. The majority of people who ride the bus in the City of Albany are the poor, the working poor and/or the disabled. For them, affordable public transportation is a lifeline that enables them to get the basic needs of food, clothing and shelter met. They struggle every day to pay the current fare and most certainly can not afford a 50% increase. There will be less food on the table and the rent may not be paid on time if this increase is approved."
Nate Smith of Citizens for Public Transportation said, "It is natural to worry about how to pay for things in economic hard times, but we believe buses are part of the solution. We all pay for cars in subtle ways, from sprawling parking lots, to six lane roads, to air pollution and and climate disruption, as well as the direct costs of car payments, insurance, and gas."
"Raising bus fares will hurt the people who already can't afford to be part of our car culture and those who can't drive because disability. But we should invest in mass transit for the long term health of our economy, for energy independence, for social equity, for the environment and public health. Better transit service will improve the quality of life of our cities - as a long term alternative to sprawl."
Doug Bullock, 8th District Albany County Legislator, said: "All employers, public, private, and not for profit, should follow the lead of Albany County in providing transit passes to their workers in lieu of parking spaces. CDTA should pursue every source of revenue before increasing the burden on passengers, who are already struggling to make ends meet."
Mark Schaeffer of Citizen Action noted that according to Sunday's New York Times,
"The sorts of jobs Mr. Obama would propose to create involve construction work on roads, mass transit projects, weatherization of government buildings ... among others. .... The Obama team has a list of $136 billion in infrastructure projects from the National Governors Association that consists mostly of transit construction but also includes port expansions and renewable energy programs. ...Federal money to local governments would come with a 'use it or lose it' clause under Mr. Obama’s plans, advisers say."
# # #
Sunday, December 21, 2008
News Conference opposing CDTA's proposed bus fare hikes and service cuts
Stop the Hike Campaign
NEWS ADVISORY
For Immediate Release
News Conference opposing CDTA's proposed bus fare hikes and service cuts
Monday, December 22, 2008 - 5 p.m.
Citizen Action, 94 Central Avenue, Albany, NY
Speakers (draft list)
Honorable Corey Ellis, Albany Common Council
Honorable Catherine Fahey, Albany Common Council
Leah Golby, Capital Region Transit Advocates
Honorable Shawn Morris, Albany Common Council President
Mark Schaeffer, Citizen Action
Honorable Barbara Smith, Albany Common Council
Representative of Citizens for Public Transportation
Cliff Perez, Capital District Coalition for Accessible Transportation
The Stop the Hike Campaign, a newly formed coalition of organizations and individuals opposed to CDTA's proposed bus fare increases and service cuts will hold a press conference Monday, December 22 at 5 p.m. at Citizen Action, 94 Central Avenue, Albany, NY.
The CDTA Board of Directors is scheduled to vote on proposed fare increases at their meeting on Tuesday, December 23 at noon. The Stop the Hike Campaign is being launched by the fledgling group, Capital Region Transit Advocates as well as Citizen Action, the Capital District Coalition for Accessible Transportation and Citizens for Public Transportation, and has the support of many local elected officials and individuals who believe in affordable public transit.
The campaign collected over 800 signatures in less than one week on a petition urging CDTA not to go forward with the fare hike.
The petition said:
" - Fare increases and service cuts will be a hardship for seniors, veterans, people with disabilities and low income bus riders who rely on CDTA or STAR as their primary mode of transportation.
" - Fare increases and service cuts will send many of CDTA's new riders who take the bus by choice, right back to their cars.
" - CDTA states that higher fuel costs have contributed to increased operating expenses, but with the drastic reduction in gas prices, it doesn't appear that a fare hike can be justified.
"Given the current economic climate, the critical role of public transit in the promotion of green living, energy independence and the new green-collar workforce, and the potential for a stimulus package from President-elect Obama and the 111th Congress, it is premature for CDTA to schedule implementation of service cuts and a fare hike. Instead, we urge CDTA to push Congress for a stimulus package that invests wisely in public transit so that CDTA can keep fares at current affordable levels, add needed service and continue to attract new riders."
# # #
NEWS ADVISORY
For Immediate Release
News Conference opposing CDTA's proposed bus fare hikes and service cuts
Monday, December 22, 2008 - 5 p.m.
Citizen Action, 94 Central Avenue, Albany, NY
Speakers (draft list)
Honorable Corey Ellis, Albany Common Council
Honorable Catherine Fahey, Albany Common Council
Leah Golby, Capital Region Transit Advocates
Honorable Shawn Morris, Albany Common Council President
Mark Schaeffer, Citizen Action
Honorable Barbara Smith, Albany Common Council
Representative of Citizens for Public Transportation
Cliff Perez, Capital District Coalition for Accessible Transportation
The Stop the Hike Campaign, a newly formed coalition of organizations and individuals opposed to CDTA's proposed bus fare increases and service cuts will hold a press conference Monday, December 22 at 5 p.m. at Citizen Action, 94 Central Avenue, Albany, NY.
The CDTA Board of Directors is scheduled to vote on proposed fare increases at their meeting on Tuesday, December 23 at noon. The Stop the Hike Campaign is being launched by the fledgling group, Capital Region Transit Advocates as well as Citizen Action, the Capital District Coalition for Accessible Transportation and Citizens for Public Transportation, and has the support of many local elected officials and individuals who believe in affordable public transit.
The campaign collected over 800 signatures in less than one week on a petition urging CDTA not to go forward with the fare hike.
The petition said:
" - Fare increases and service cuts will be a hardship for seniors, veterans, people with disabilities and low income bus riders who rely on CDTA or STAR as their primary mode of transportation.
" - Fare increases and service cuts will send many of CDTA's new riders who take the bus by choice, right back to their cars.
" - CDTA states that higher fuel costs have contributed to increased operating expenses, but with the drastic reduction in gas prices, it doesn't appear that a fare hike can be justified.
"Given the current economic climate, the critical role of public transit in the promotion of green living, energy independence and the new green-collar workforce, and the potential for a stimulus package from President-elect Obama and the 111th Congress, it is premature for CDTA to schedule implementation of service cuts and a fare hike. Instead, we urge CDTA to push Congress for a stimulus package that invests wisely in public transit so that CDTA can keep fares at current affordable levels, add needed service and continue to attract new riders."
# # #
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Stop the Hike Campaign News
Donna Suhor, Executive Director of the Capital District Coalition for Accessible Transportation and member of our Stop the Hike Campaign was quoted in the Times Union today - click here to read the article.
The Stop the Hike Campaign is an initiative of our fledgling group Capital Region Transit Advocates (CRTA). We appreciate that Capital District Citizen Action is allowing us to use their online petition to collect signatures against the hike. Click here to sign the petition.
There was some concern over at All Over Albany about this language on the petition:
We urge you to tell your friends about the online petition and help us to Stop the Hike!
The Stop the Hike Campaign is an initiative of our fledgling group Capital Region Transit Advocates (CRTA). We appreciate that Capital District Citizen Action is allowing us to use their online petition to collect signatures against the hike. Click here to sign the petition.
There was some concern over at All Over Albany about this language on the petition:
By submitting, you become a member of Citizen Action of New York...
Citizen Action's Charlie Albanetti straightens that out with his comment - click here to read the entire comment. Here is the crux of Charlie's response:
(Thank you, Charlie.)The "become a member" clause is standard on all of our internet forms, and just means that you'll be added to our email list (from which you can easily unsubscribe any time you get an email from us).
We urge you to tell your friends about the online petition and help us to Stop the Hike!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Hard Copy Petitions are Available Too
If you can help by collecting hard copy signatures around town... send us an email and we'll forward you a petition. Time is ticking. Here's the online petition.
email address: capitalregiontransitadvocates@gmail.com
We'll forward along to you.
All petitions should be returned by 10 a.m. Friday, December 12 to:
Citizen Action
94 Central Avenue
Albany, NY
465-4600
email address: capitalregiontransitadvocates@gmail.com
We'll forward along to you.
All petitions should be returned by 10 a.m. Friday, December 12 to:
Citizen Action
94 Central Avenue
Albany, NY
465-4600
Stop the Hike!
Help stop CDTA's proposed fare hike and service cuts that will have an adverse impact on seniors, veterans, people with disabilities and low income earners.
Here's what we say:
CDTA plans a 50% fare increase in 2009. The Capital Region Transit Advocates, a coalition of transit riders and supporters, and the undersigned believe:
Here's what we say:
CDTA plans a 50% fare increase in 2009. The Capital Region Transit Advocates, a coalition of transit riders and supporters, and the undersigned believe:
- Fare increases and service cuts will be a hardship for seniors, veterans, people with disabilities and low income bus riders who rely on CDTA or STAR as their primary mode of transportation.
- Fare increases and service cuts will send many of CDTA's new riders who take the bus by choice, right back to their cars.
- CDTA states that higher fuel costs have contributed to increased operating expenses, but with the drastic reduction in gas prices, it doesn't appear that a fare hike can be justified.
Given the current economic climate, the critical role of public transit in the promotion of green living, energy independence and the new green-collar workforce, and the potential for a stimulus package from President-elect Obama and the 111th Congress, it is premature for CDTA to schedule implementation of service cuts and a fare hike. Instead, we urge CDTA to push Congress for a stimulus package that invests wisely in public transit so that CDTA can keep fares at current affordable levels, add needed service and continue to attract new riders.
Click here to sign a petition before 10 a.m. on Friday, December 12.
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