The RTA board has decided to not go ahead with putting a tax levy option on the November ballot.
The proposed levy would have compensated for the loss of $21 million in state funds from two years ago. With the money, riders and the union for bus drivers wanted the RTA to expand on more routes, lower fares and better service, including more attention to maintenance issues.
In a decision reached on Tuesday, the board said the tax levy could be an option for voters sometime in 2019.
Clevelanders for Public Transit (CPT) said they were disappointed at the decision, but were glad to see the RTA is pursuing a redesign of the transit network to meet the needs of residents across Cuyahoga County, according to a news release by CPT.
Key takeaways from the board's decision, according to President Dennis Clough:
- Customers who rely on public transit must be seen as a priority in the community
- More investment in public transit
- Identify more sources of funding
- Allow for significant public input into the process
The RTA said there are several studies in place that will help in future planning and decision making surrounding the levy.
