June 15, 2007

CONTACT: Jenna Reedy, Business Development Manager
Day: 849-0708
Fax: 848-4853
Email: jreedy@rabbittransit.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                      

SERVICE SLASHED, FARES SPIKE - rabbittransit MAKES PREPARATIONS FOR STATE TRANSIT FUNDING CRISIS

York, PA – On Thursday, June 14, rabbittransit's Board of Directors adopted the 2007-2008 budget which outlines a significant service reduction and fare increase. rabbittransit has not seen a state funding increase since 1997 and for the past two years, the transit authority has been balancing its budget with reserves. The time has come in which that is no longer an option and beginning July 1, rabbittransit is predicting a $640,000 shortfall in its fixed route program and $600,000 shortfall in the paratransit (shared ride) program. Approximately 10,000 hours of service will need to be eliminated to balance the budget.

What this means for York County residents who depend upon public transit to access jobs, doctors and schools every day is a 10% cut in fixed route service and a 15% cut in paratransit service. The service reduction is slated to begin October 1, 2007.

Employers and business are also concerned. Bob Jensenius, Chamber executive vice president, comments, “Clearly these cuts could have serious ramifications for York County employees who want to work and York County employers who need these employees to work.”

Under the fare increase proposal, all fixed route fares will increase by $0.05 effective January 1, 2008. This fare hike, combined with previous fare increases, represents a 40% increase over the past 4 years. Paratransit fares will increase by 38% effective October 1, 2007.

“We’ve been tracking funding sources since 2000, knowing this day would come, and now it’s here,” says rabbittransit Executive Director Richard Farr. “There is still hope though if the legislature acts soon.”

Just weeks ago, local and county officials joined together on the steps of City Hall to voice their concerns and urge the General Assembly to support an annual, reliable, dedicated funding source for the state’s 73 public transit systems including rabbittransit.

Red Rose Transit Authority in Lancaster has already announced service reductions up to 30% for fixed route effective January 1, 2008. Both County of Lebanon Transit Authority and Capital Area Transit in Harrisburg are implementing fare increases.

rabbittransit will be holding public meetings in late July to receive comments and inform the public about the funding issue and the proposed service reductions that would take effect October 1, 2007. If any person is unable to attend the public hearings, information will be available on rabbittransit's website at www.rabbittransit.org or comments may be emailed to rabbittransit at info@rabbittransit.org or sent to rabbittransit, Service Reduction Comments, 1230 Roosevelt Avenue, York, PA 17404.

Service Slashed, Fares Spike Press Release: PDF | Word

rabbittransit, York County’s public transportation system, provides a variety of transportation services to the residents of York County. Nearly 6,000 people depend on rabbittransit each day to get to work, medical facilities, school and other life-sustaining activities. rabbittransit is dedicated to helping all York Countians get to where they want to go.