In fiscal year 2010, the Tulsa Transit budget was reduced by $2.5 million.  Although this was 31% of the Tulsa Transit budget, it's only 1% of the City of Tulsa budget.  After losing funding, Tulsa Transit was forced to cut its service and increase fares for both regular and special needs services.  FY2011 saw the same massively reduced budget.  For FY2012, Tulsa Transit is asking the city to restore only $1 million of its previous funding cut.  If this FY2012 budget request is not approved in full, service will be disrupted even further.  

The average wait time on a weekday is 1 hour, and is 1 hour 45 minutes in the evening.  Currently, there is no bus service on Sundays.  For the 80% of current bus riders who have no car, further route cutbacks are unacceptable and fare increases may be unaffordable.  Additionally, Tulsa Transit provides over 200,000 passenger trips to seniors and those with disabilities. People depend on public transportation for work, groceries, health care and entertainment, and Tulsa cannot afford to leave any of its citizens behind.  Transit is also an investment for our city.  It creates jobs in the region and raises property values.  It sparks shopping and entertainment trips which bring in local sales tax dollars.  Public transportation also reduces traffic and air pollution. 

Please tell Mayor Bartlett and the City Council to approve the Tulsa Transit's full budget request at the council meeting on March 31, 2011 at 6pm. 

[This petition should be signed by Tulsa residents ONLY. Thank you!]