The Sacramento Transit Riders Union (SacTRU) is writing to support the Sacramento City ordinance dissolving the Streetcar Community Facilities District and rescinding the special tax. We request that the $25 million in Proposition 1A funding be returned to Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) to be used in essential, shovel ready projects to enhance the existing transportation system and infrastructure of Regional Transit and serve the greatest number of users on the existing system. In 2017, SacRT staff provided the Board with a list of 38 alternative projects that the funds could be used for instead of the streetcar project. In light of the need to fund the Lightrail Modernization Project, we believe it is essential that these funds be returned to the district. We do not believe that these funds should be redirected to other pet projects but should be used for their intended purpose of supporting capital projects within SacRT to provide capacity enhancements and safety improvements.
Dan Allison, submitting on behalf of Sacramento Transit Advocates and Riders.
We support the item as proposed, and also support the termination of the Riverfront JPA, which has not formally met in quite some while and no longer serves a purpose. We would like to see public consideration of a number of ideas for expending any remaining Prop 1, cap and trade, and possible federal funds. Given what we know at this time, it appears that light rail modernization, which is the replacement of aging rail cars with modern low-floor cars, is the best expenditure of funds that most closely matches the original intent of the allocated funds. Other ideas to be considered include: 1) light rail to West Sacramento, with tracks on the new bridge and/or Tower Bridge; and 2) extension of light rail across the American River, with walking and bicycling accommodation, on an environmentally sound alignment. All of these ideas would enhance access to the multi-modal Sacramento Valley Station.
The streetcar has come in overbudget and is unfundable. It is time to pull the plug. City Council is taking steps to dissolve the CFD and rescind the special tax. Now City Council should take steps to dissolve the Riverfront JPA since it no longer has a function. And City Council should redirect streetcar funds to improve existing light rail by purchasing modern low floor vehicles (LRV) and modifying stations for RT. 36 of RT's 97 LRV's have reached the end of their useful lives resulting in frequent, costly breakdowns and repairs. New LRVs will reduce RT's operating costs, and improve safety, accessibility and service to riders.
It is our understanding that you will be taking up the issue of the Streetcar on Tuesday, August 26, 2019. Specifically, Ordinance Dissolving the Streetcar Community Facilities District No.; 2017-01 and Rescinding Ordinance No. 2017-043
RiderShip for the Masses supports the dissolution of the Streetcar Community Facilities District and rescinding Ordinance No. 2017-043
We would also support any suggestion of dissolving the Streetcar JPA, and ask that any monies available to SacRT be used for the Light Rail Modernization Project. Perhaps this money may also be used to connect Sacramento to West Sacramento.
Thank you
"B"
Barbara Stanton
founder/director
RiderShip for the Masses
rftm@rftm.info
(916) 927-7446
The Sacramento Transit Riders Union (SacTRU) is writing to support the Sacramento City ordinance dissolving the Streetcar Community Facilities District and rescinding the special tax. We request that the $25 million in Proposition 1A funding be returned to Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) to be used in essential, shovel ready projects to enhance the existing transportation system and infrastructure of Regional Transit and serve the greatest number of users on the existing system. In 2017, SacRT staff provided the Board with a list of 38 alternative projects that the funds could be used for instead of the streetcar project. In light of the need to fund the Lightrail Modernization Project, we believe it is essential that these funds be returned to the district. We do not believe that these funds should be redirected to other pet projects but should be used for their intended purpose of supporting capital projects within SacRT to provide capacity enhancements and safety improvements.
Dan Allison, submitting on behalf of Sacramento Transit Advocates and Riders.
We support the item as proposed, and also support the termination of the Riverfront JPA, which has not formally met in quite some while and no longer serves a purpose. We would like to see public consideration of a number of ideas for expending any remaining Prop 1, cap and trade, and possible federal funds. Given what we know at this time, it appears that light rail modernization, which is the replacement of aging rail cars with modern low-floor cars, is the best expenditure of funds that most closely matches the original intent of the allocated funds. Other ideas to be considered include: 1) light rail to West Sacramento, with tracks on the new bridge and/or Tower Bridge; and 2) extension of light rail across the American River, with walking and bicycling accommodation, on an environmentally sound alignment. All of these ideas would enhance access to the multi-modal Sacramento Valley Station.
The streetcar has come in overbudget and is unfundable. It is time to pull the plug. City Council is taking steps to dissolve the CFD and rescind the special tax. Now City Council should take steps to dissolve the Riverfront JPA since it no longer has a function. And City Council should redirect streetcar funds to improve existing light rail by purchasing modern low floor vehicles (LRV) and modifying stations for RT. 36 of RT's 97 LRV's have reached the end of their useful lives resulting in frequent, costly breakdowns and repairs. New LRVs will reduce RT's operating costs, and improve safety, accessibility and service to riders.
Hello Mayor and City Council Members
It is our understanding that you will be taking up the issue of the Streetcar on Tuesday, August 26, 2019. Specifically, Ordinance Dissolving the Streetcar Community Facilities District No.; 2017-01 and Rescinding Ordinance No. 2017-043
RiderShip for the Masses supports the dissolution of the Streetcar Community Facilities District and rescinding Ordinance No. 2017-043
We would also support any suggestion of dissolving the Streetcar JPA, and ask that any monies available to SacRT be used for the Light Rail Modernization Project. Perhaps this money may also be used to connect Sacramento to West Sacramento.
Thank you
"B"
Barbara Stanton
founder/director
RiderShip for the Masses
rftm@rftm.info
(916) 927-7446