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“If this were a first-world nation, we would invest in transit’s recovery as critical prerequisites for larger urban economic recovery"
Wise words by @jeffreytumlin.
https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/sfmta-prepares-for-massive-potential-layoffs-as-budget-crisis-continues-to-build/
A short
(1/x)
Wise words by @jeffreytumlin.
https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/sfmta-prepares-for-massive-potential-layoffs-as-budget-crisis-continues-to-build/
A short
(1/x)
First - a few highlights from the article:
+ @sfmta_muni will likely lay off 1,226 FTEs next year
+ This represents 22% of the workforce
+ Most are front-line workers (e.g., bus & train operators, maintenance crews)
+ Facing a $68M deficit now, $168M next year
(2/x)
+ @sfmta_muni will likely lay off 1,226 FTEs next year
+ This represents 22% of the workforce
+ Most are front-line workers (e.g., bus & train operators, maintenance crews)
+ Facing a $68M deficit now, $168M next year
(2/x)
The MTA has already made deep cuts:
+ 1000 job vacancies left open
+ Cut non-essential contracts & many expenses
+ Received $370 M in CARES ACT funding
+ Cut 30% of MUNI service/lines
(3/x)
+ 1000 job vacancies left open
+ Cut non-essential contracts & many expenses
+ Received $370 M in CARES ACT funding
+ Cut 30% of MUNI service/lines
(3/x)
Cities are required to balance their budgets (no bankruptcy allowed) so there are two paths:
1) cut costs
2) raise revenues
Farebox revenue is down 93%, parking is down 50%.
(4/x)
1) cut costs
2) raise revenues
Farebox revenue is down 93%, parking is down 50%.
(4/x)
In terms of cutting costs - there is little juice left to squeeze out of the orange.
MUNI was on the brink before Pandemic.
"One of the reasons why Muni is unreliable is we have decades of experience deferring maintenance in order to hold onto operations.” - Tumlin
(5/x)
MUNI was on the brink before Pandemic.
"One of the reasons why Muni is unreliable is we have decades of experience deferring maintenance in order to hold onto operations.” - Tumlin
(5/x)
This reminds me of the Aesop's fable, "The Ants & the Grasshopper" http://read.gov/aesop/052.html
For years MUNI has been bloated, running inefficiently & pumping money into operations instead of future investments.
Now, here we are. On the brink of collapse. Buying time.
(6/x)
For years MUNI has been bloated, running inefficiently & pumping money into operations instead of future investments.
Now, here we are. On the brink of collapse. Buying time.
(6/x)
The cars & rails are old and unreliable. Trains break down regularly.
The operating system is running on floppy disks... Yes, really.
Yet we have pumped money into things like the extension of the Central Subway, and rider information systems. https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/philmatier/article/Muni-getting-new-rider-information-system-at-89-15570164.php
The operating system is running on floppy disks... Yes, really.
Yet we have pumped money into things like the extension of the Central Subway, and rider information systems. https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/philmatier/article/Muni-getting-new-rider-information-system-at-89-15570164.php
We now find ourselves "locked" into contracts like the Central Subway, which extends the T line through SOMA, Union Square to Chinatown.
It includes four stations along a 1.7-mile stretch and costs $1.6 billion. https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Central-Subway-delayed-again-until-2022-15727909.php
It includes four stations along a 1.7-mile stretch and costs $1.6 billion. https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Central-Subway-delayed-again-until-2022-15727909.php
How we could authorize spending $1.6 billion for a 1.7 mile stretch and three stops befuddles me.
And now, we are facing the potential collapse of our bus system.
Our bus system is imperative for so many reasons. It helps the elderly, low-income and disabled get around...
And now, we are facing the potential collapse of our bus system.
Our bus system is imperative for so many reasons. It helps the elderly, low-income and disabled get around...
Most of these people cannot afford taxis, Lyft, uber.
They need to get to doctor's appointments, the grocery store, their jobs...
While the wealthy of SF have always driven around town, most of this city relies on public transit.
(10/x)
They need to get to doctor's appointments, the grocery store, their jobs...
While the wealthy of SF have always driven around town, most of this city relies on public transit.
(10/x)
I believe that SF needs to prioritize the bus lines immediately.
Without the bus, labor costs will go up significantly, businesses will not be able to break even.
Retail will falter even more.
(11/x)
Without the bus, labor costs will go up significantly, businesses will not be able to break even.
Retail will falter even more.
(11/x)
SF has been living in a fantasy land since 2009. Money flowing in. Spend & bloat increasing alongside.
Now is the time to make hard decisions.
The bus should be a top priority. It's critical for people who can't afford cars. It's critical for SF to function.
(fin)
Now is the time to make hard decisions.
The bus should be a top priority. It's critical for people who can't afford cars. It's critical for SF to function.
(fin)
