#service-cuts

#service-cuts

Southern California's Metrolink regional rail system is facing a moment of reckoning. With looming service cuts, stalled modernization projects, and growing frustration among advocates and riders, Californians for Electric Rail has launched a campaign warning that structural problems in Metrolink's governance model undermine the future of passenger rail in Southern California.

Back in April, Newham Council got special permission to raise its council tax by 8.99 percent - nearly double the normal increase cap of 4.99 percent - in order to help it swerve bankruptcy. As Newham faces more 'difficult decisions' and a £53 million funding gap next year, a new report suggests that it could ask for permission to increase its council tax by the same amount again.

With just days remaining until the end of the legislative session, the Governor's Department of Finance informed lawmakers it will not be finalizing a critical bridge loan to prevent serious service cuts to BART, Muni, AC Transit, and other Bay Area public transit operators next year. Not authorizing the loan now could lead to quick service cuts by major Bay Area transit systems. Senators Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Jesse Arreguin (D-Oakland) have been working for months to try to finalize loan terms.

A staff report for Tuesday's City Council agenda cites several challenges, including legal payouts related to a notorious alleged sexual abuser who worked for the city. The city has paid out more than $229 million in settlements relating to sexual abuse by Eric Uller, a former Santa Monica police dispatcher. The city faces additional abuse claims from over 180 claimants, according to the report.

The failure of the Illinois House to pass a bill funding public transportation means that transit agencies will need to cut service due to a $771M budget gap.