AUTHORIZE BONDS TO IMPROVE TRANSIT, PARTICULARLY FOR ELDERLY AND DISABLED
QUESTION: Shall TriMet issue $125 million bonds to improve transit services and access for elderly riders and people with disabilities?
If bonds are approved, they will be payable from taxes on property or property ownership that are not subject to the limits of Sections 11 and 11b, Article XI of the Oregon Constitution.
SUMMARY: In 1990, voters approved a $125 million TriMet bond measure. Those bonds will be retired in 2012. If approved, the estimated levy rate for the new bonds is not expected to exceed the levy rate for the old bonds and remain at approximately 8 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. The bonds may be issued in multiple series; each series will mature in 21 years or less.
Proceeds from the bonds will be used to fund improvements to transit services, including projects that make transit more accessible for elderly and people with disabilities, such as:
- Improving safety and security at bus stops and shelters used by elderly and disabled riders.
- Replacing 20+ year old and high stair buses, which are more difficult for some riders to get on and off, with low floor buses.
- Updating technology for LIFT vans that would make service more efficient and reduce waiting times for elderly and people with disabilities.
TriMet will provide an independent financial audit and a citizens' oversight committee will monitor expenditures.
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
TriMet provides public transportation to most of Washington, Clackamas and Multnomah Counties and carries more people than any other US transit system its size. Weekly ridership on buses and MAX has increased for 21 consecutive years. Last year residents and visitors boarded a bus, MAX or WES train 101.5 million times.
The measure on the ballot this year would replace an existing bond that was approved in 1990 and is intended to enable TriMet to improve services for the rapidly growing aging and disabled population without an increase in property taxes. All riders would benefit from the improvements to transit services and access.
Many people who use TriMet have no other means of getting to and from work, school, shopping or medical services. As the population in the metro area ages, the need for services for older people increases.
Specifically the measure would:
Make transit more accessible for elderly and disabled individuals, thereby improving services to all riders by:
- Improving safety and security at bus stops and shelters. TriMet has 7,100 transit stops. Bond proceeds would be used to improve safety and access for elderly and disabled individuals at about 300 stops.
- These capital improvements include building curb cuts, sidewalks, safer pedestrian crossing, shelters, lighting, improved signage, ramps, and handrails so that more individuals can navigate the fixed-route system safely and securely.
- Replacing 20 year old buses and buses that have high stairs which are difficult for elderly and disabled to get on and off. Today TriMet has over 250 high floor buses with 150 buses over 19 years old. Replacing old "high-floor" buses with buses that have low floors that are easier to get on is a critical step toward accessibility.
- The new buses would have automated stop announcements for the visually and hearing impaired. Many of the old buses do not have air conditioning, another important component for many older riders with heart conditions and other health problems.
- The measure would enable TriMet to replace old LIFT vehicles for riders who are unable to use the regular transit routes.
- Update the LIFT van radio communication and dispatch technology to make LIFT service more efficient, reliable and easier for seniors and people with disabilities.
This measure replaces the existing bond and it is not expected to increase property taxes beyond what homeowners currently pay, about 8 cents per $1,000 of assessed value or approximately $20 a year for a $250,000 property.
Submitted by:
Neil McFarlane
General Manager
TriMet
No arguments AGAINST this measure were filed.
The League of Women Voters Urges a YES Vote on Measure 26-119
Measure 26-119 contributes to pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods.
TriMet has identified 600 high-use bus stops that present barriers to the elderly and disabled. Bond proceeds will be used with local matching funds to improve up to 300 of those bus stops by adding sidewalks, curb cuts, shelters, safer pedestrian crossings, lighting, and other improvements.
Measure 26-119 improves elderly and disabled access.
Proceeds from the bond measure will replace at least 150 high-floor buses with new low-floor buses. TriMet's high-floor buses have been in use for nearly 20 years, far exceeding the average bus's life span of about 15 years. New low-floor buses will be equipped with ramps, air conditioning, security cameras, and automatic stop announcements. The new buses will be more accessible to seniors and the disabled and will make the ride more comfortable and convenient for all.
Measure 26-119 enhances specialized door-to-door bus service for the elderly and disabled.
New low-floor buses and improved bus stops will increase access to regularly scheduled bus service for seniors and disabled residents. For those who cannot utilize that service, bond proceeds will be used to replace up to 100 LIFT buses that provide door-to-door service. New LIFT buses also will include improved communications systems, making the service more efficient and reliable.
Measure 26-119 is a prudent investment.
The average cost of a bus or MAX trip is about $2.75. A LIFT ride costs about $29. By investing in accessible low-floor buses and improved bus stops, a greater number of elderly and disabled residents will be able to ride regularly scheduled buses.
The League of Women Voters Urges a Yes Vote on Measure 26-119
League of Women Voters of Portland
League of Women Voters of East Multnomah County
(This information furnished by Debbie Aiona, League of Women Voters of Portland, League of Women Voters of East Multnomah County)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Dear Neighbors:
I am supporting Measure 26-119 for transit because TriMet has enhanced my life.
Several years ago I decided to quit driving. I am an 86 year-old resident of a retirement home and felt in the interest of safety it was a wise thing to do. Without TriMet I would have become a recluse with no way to interact socially with the community. We are all aware of the benefits to physical and mental health the association with other people is for senior citizens. With this service I can attend cultural programs, make use of the libraries, visit my friends, see my relatives more frequently, go shopping and even go to my medical and dental appointments.
I mainly use the LIFT services. I must use a walker and would use the regular TriMet buses more if they all were the new buses with low floors. Those very old buses have stairs and you can't use them with a walker.
The LIFT buses are long overdue for replacement. I have many friends who would love to be able to use the LIFT service but can't because the buses seem to have no shocks and you are practically thrown out of your seat on these rough roads. People with bad backs and other physical problems can't handle this.
Please join me in voting YES on Measure 26-119.
Sincerely,
Dorothy Browne
(This information furnished by Dorothy L. Browne)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Someone You Know Needs the Bus
As a former president of the TriMet Board, I know firsthand how hard TriMet has worked over the years to provide efficient, safe and reliable transit services throughout our district. The Board knows that public transportation, MAX and buses are the ONLY way many people in the community are able to get to work, school, medical appointments, shopping and so on. Particularly in tough economic times, people also turn to public transportation to save on gas and parking costs.
- I believe the measure on the ballot in November deserves support from the community because it will enable TriMet to greatly improve safety and accessibility to public transportation for our most vulnerable citizens, the elderly and people with disabilities.
- The improvements to bus stops and shelters will help those who are frail, elderly or disabled to move around more safely by installing curb cuts, handrails, non-skid pavement and benches.
- The measure will also replace old buses that have high stairs with new buses much easier for people who have trouble climbing to get on and off.
- And, the measure will make the LIFT door-to-door service much more efficient and faster for those who are not able to ride regular TriMet routes.
I know the TriMet Board and staff are doing all they can to improve services even in light of budget restrictions, and I think this measure will make very meaningful and cost-effective changes that will benefit all riders.
Please join me in voting YES for Transit. Because you, or someone you know needs the bus.
George Passadore, former President, TriMet Board of Directors
(This information furnished by George Passadore)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Elders in Action Urge Yes on 26-119 for Transit
The Elders in Action Commission is a volunteer-led group of advocates who seek to shape aging policy on all levels, and ensure that the quality of life never depends on age.
Transportation has always been one of our main focus areas of advocacy, because it is one of the single most important needs for seniors wanting to remain in their own homes. As we age, many of us lose our ability to drive for one reason or another, and having an accessible and far-reaching transit system is an invaluable resource to our rapidly aging population.
By voting YES for Transit you help to ensure that our regional TriMet transit system is accessible and safe for seniors and people with disabilities.
Many seniors and people with disabilities rely on the TriMet LIFT system as their sole mode of transportation, the LIFT costs TriMet $29 per ride as opposed to $2.75 for the fixed-route system, and while LIFT is a vital service for many in our community it is far from cost-effective and convenient. Some LIFT riders would be perfectly capable and happy to ride their local bus but due to the lacking infrastructure they can't even get to the bus stop safely.
Voting YES for Transit will allow for sidewalks, benches, lighting, and other safety improvements to over 300 transit stations, coupled with new low-floor buses, to make it possible for more seniors and people with disabilities to ride transit and regain their independence.
The Elders in Action Commission has been advocating for these type of improvements for years, knowing that the older adult population in our communities are growing at an overwhelming rate and we must act now to prepare for this "age tsunami" and to provide for accessible transit to ensure people can remain independent, at home, and safe.
Please join the Elders in Action Commission in voting YES for Transit.
(This information furnished by Tara Krugel, Elders in Action Commission)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Support Transit Measure to Improve Access
The Committee for Accessible Transportation works to improve access to public transportation for people who are elderly and/or have disabilities. We have committee members from the three counties TriMet serves, and most of us have disabilities that make getting around difficult.
We support the TriMet bond measure for a variety of reasons, but one of the most important reasons is because this measure will greatly improve access to TriMet services for people who are elderly and/or have disabilities.
The measure will replace the old high-step buses with models that have low floors, making it much easier for people to board without assistance. Many of us rely on the bus to get to medical appointments, church, work or school. Accessible buses give people freedom.
The measure will improve bus stops and shelters. These improvements will include installing curb cuts, handrails, non-skid pavement, and benches which are all features that help people who are frail, elderly and/or have disabilities to access transit safely.
And, the measure will provide new buses for the LIFT door-to-door service and make it more efficient for those of us who are not able to ride regular TriMet services.
We believe this measure will make very meaningful and cost-effective changes that will benefit us and also make transit better for everyone.
Please join us in voting YES for Transit.
Jan Campbell, Chair
Claudia Robertson, Vice Chair
John Betts member
Patricia Keplar, member
Arnold Panitch, member
(This information furnished by Janet Campbell, Claudia H. Robertson, John M. Betts, Patricia Keplar and Arnold Panitch, Committee for Accessible Transportation)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Board Supports Transit Bond 26-119
The TriMet Board strives hard to provide efficient, safe and reliable transit services throughout our district. We understand that public transportation, MAX and buses are the ONLY way many people in the community are able to get to work, school, medical appointments, shopping and so on. Particularly in tough economic times, people also turn to public transportation to save on gas and parking costs.
The TriMet board is constantly seeking ways to improve services for all our riders and still keep fares as low as possible. We believe this bond measure is the best option right now that will enable us to greatly improve safety and accessibility to public transportation, particularly for our most vulnerable citizens, the elderly and people with disabilities.
- The measure will provide funds to make critical changes to 300 bus stops that are most used by seniors and people with disabilities. We will install sidewalks, handrails, curb cuts, improve lighting and install benches and shelters to protect frail citizens from the rain and wind.
- TriMet will replace 150 old buses that have high stairs which are very difficult for seniors or others using wheelchairs or walkers to get on and off. The new buses will have low floors, air conditioning and be equipped with automated stop announcements. And these new buses will better serve all who use the system.
- The funds will also provide new vehicles for the on-demand ride service TriMet provides to those unable to use our regular buses or MAX.
- Finally, because this measure continues a levy that is currently in place, the costs to property owners will not increase.
Please vote YES for Transit. Because you, or someone you know needs the bus.
Rick Van Beveren, President, TriMet Board of Directors
(This information furnished by Rick Van Beveren, TriMet Board of Directors, President Reedville Cafe/Reedville Catering)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Yes for Transit
We are voting yes on the TriMet measure this November because we know how valuable public transportation is to people as they age. As retirees, we're understanding more and more how important it is to us to get around town, to see friends and to go to doctor's offices and shopping without having to drive.
We use TriMet because we know we can take buses or MAX to get where we need to go. And while we both can still drive now, we know there may come a time when TriMet will be the only way we can travel, as it is for many of our friends and neighbors.
The measure on the ballot will provide benefits to all TriMet riders, not just seniors and people with disabilities. Improving safety and security at bus stops is extremely important.
We've seen people struggling to get wheelchairs up steep inclines or over curbs. Getting rid of these unsafe conditions by adding handrails, curb cuts and making the pavement non-skid will help people maneuver much more easily.
Replacing ancient buses with new models that have wheelchair-accessible low floors will also make it easier for people to get on and off, and air conditioning will help people with breathing problems ride more safely.
After Dick's long career at TriMet and as a Board member and former chair of Elders in Action and Anne as a former director of Loaves and Fishes, we both value the opportunity we have had to help others. And, in a way, that's what voting for this bond measure means. Thousands of people depend on public transportation.
Please join us in saying yes for TriMet, it's worth every penny.
Dick and Anne Kelly Feeney
(This information furnished by Dick Feeney and Anne K. Feeney )
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Willamette Pedestrian Coalition
urges 'YES' on Measure 26-119
• Truly livable communities are for all of us, not just those who have a car and a driver's license. Livable communities need to have accessible public transit, especially for senior citizens, people with disabilities, and others who cannot drive.
• Measure 26-119 will improve accessibility to public transit in our communities in several important ways. Low-floor buses and curb cuts will make it easier for seniors and people with disabilities to access transit. Such access can make all the difference in being able to conduct simple errands, go to medical appointments, or visit family and friends, get to medical appointments, or attend church.
• Our region has invested wisely in public transportation. Measure 26-119 makes good sense because it will make it easier for all of us -- senior citizens, people with disabilities, school children and others -- to access the valuable system we have in place.
On behalf of all of us getting around on foot and on transit, the Willamette Pedestrian Coalition supports Measure 26-119 and urges your 'yes' vote.
Submitted by: Philip Selinger, Board of Directors, President Willamette Pedestrian Coalition
(This information furnished by Philip R. Selinger, President, Board of Directors, Willamette Pedestrian Coalition)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Citizens' Advisory Committee Supports Transit Bond
We are a group of citizen volunteers who provide input and perspectives to the TriMet Board about budget issues and policies. We have a range of backgrounds including expertise in business, economics, financial matters and transportation. Some of us also ride the TriMet system regularly.
We are supporting this bond measure as a way to improve transit accessibility for some of our most vulnerable citizens – the elderly and people with disabilities. We know the population of the metro area is aging rapidly which will increase the need for a variety of public services, including transportation. For many people, public transportation is the only way they can live independently.
This measure will make much-needed improvements in safety at bus stops around the region. It will provide for more bus shelters, better lighting at stops, and remove physical barriers by adding more sidewalks, ramps, benches and handrails.
It will also fund replacement of older buses with high stairs. The new buses will have low floors for easy boarding and be equipped with automated stop announcements and air conditioning. TriMet's older buses are costly to repair and need more frequent service than newer models.
We are always concerned about the use of our tax dollars. In this case, we think the bond measure is a good way for TriMet to make essential investments in buses and bus stops without having to offset other transit services. The measure would cost property owners the same amount they currently pay for TriMet, which is a littler over 8 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, or about $20 a year for a home with an assessed value of $250,000. This seems a reasonable price for critically needed improvements to the system.
We hope others agree that this bond measure is good for all of us, especially for those who need the bus the most.
Cynthia Chilton, TriMet Citizens Advisory Committee on the Budget
(This information furnished by Cynthia E. Chilton, Luann M Pelton and Paul Schlesinger )
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Measure 26-119 Will Help People with Disabilities
Both of us serve or have served as TriMet Board's volunteer representatives to the Citizens for Accessible Transportation Committee.
We support the TriMet bond measure for a variety of reasons, but one of the most important reasons is because this measure will greatly improve access to TriMet services for people with disabilities.
It is very tough for people with wheelchairs, walkers or other mobility devices to get on and off the old TriMet buses with high stairs. Many of these folks have no other way to get to doctors appointments, church, work or school. They have to take the bus, call a cab or rely on friends and neighbors for rides Having accessible buses gives people freedom and independence that we all cherish.
The measure will improve bus stops and shelters to help those who are frail, elderly or disabled to move around more safely by installing curb cuts, handrails, non-skid pavement and benches.
And, the measure will make the LIFT door-to-door service much more efficient and faster for those who are not able to ride regular TriMet routes.
We know the TriMet Board and staff are doing all they can to improve services even in light of budget restrictions, and we think this measure will make very meaningful and cost-effective changes that will benefit all riders.
Please join us in voting YES for Transit. Because you, or someone you know needs the bus.
Bob Williams, retired, VFCW local 555, former TriMet Board member, Clackamas
Consuelo Saragoza, current TriMet Board member, Portland
(This information furnished by Bob William and Consuelo Saragoza)
The printing of this argument does not constitute an endorsement by Multnomah County, nor does the county warrant the accuracy or truth of any statements made in the argument.