From: "2/4 SMCo. Times" <[email protected]>
Date: Fri Feb 4, 2005 10:02 pm
Subject: Caltrain budget may force cuts despite rising ridership
Published Friday, February 4, 2005, in the San Mateo County Times
Caltrain may cut schedule
Ridership is up, but flat contributions from three counties create
major budget problem, officials say
By Justin Jouvenal
Staff Writer
Facing a budget crisis that's been building for years, Caltrain
could be forced to cut service or raise fares just as the rail
line is experiencing its greatest popularity in a number of years.
Riders have flocked to Caltrain since the launch of its new "baby
bullet" express service last May, but blown budgets at the three
transit agencies that fund Caltrain may force cutbacks later this
year.
"We've run out of rabbits to pull out of our hats," said Jayme
Maltbie Kunz, a Caltrain spokeswoman. "We have exercised every
possible efficiency we can find in terms of operating and staffing.
The possibility of a fare increase or service reduction is looming."
The problem, Maltbie Kunz said, is that the San Francisco, San Mateo
County and Santa Clara County transit agencies that fund about half
of Caltrain's $75 million budget have frozen their contributions at
a certain level for the last four years.
****
Complete article at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BATN/message/22665
Date: Fri Feb 4, 2005 10:02 pm
Subject: Caltrain budget may force cuts despite rising ridership
Published Friday, February 4, 2005, in the San Mateo County Times
Caltrain may cut schedule
Ridership is up, but flat contributions from three counties create
major budget problem, officials say
By Justin Jouvenal
Staff Writer
Facing a budget crisis that's been building for years, Caltrain
could be forced to cut service or raise fares just as the rail
line is experiencing its greatest popularity in a number of years.
Riders have flocked to Caltrain since the launch of its new "baby
bullet" express service last May, but blown budgets at the three
transit agencies that fund Caltrain may force cutbacks later this
year.
"We've run out of rabbits to pull out of our hats," said Jayme
Maltbie Kunz, a Caltrain spokeswoman. "We have exercised every
possible efficiency we can find in terms of operating and staffing.
The possibility of a fare increase or service reduction is looming."
The problem, Maltbie Kunz said, is that the San Francisco, San Mateo
County and Santa Clara County transit agencies that fund about half
of Caltrain's $75 million budget have frozen their contributions at
a certain level for the last four years.
****
Complete article at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BATN/message/22665
