Editorial Editorial (January 16, 2004)

Seniors unfortunate victims of recent transportation cuts

Last week, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority saved money the way it knows best -- it cut bus and light rail services. All told, VTA's public transportation operations were reduced by 3 percent, including four lines that directly affect Mountain View.

While the decrease in services was far less than 21 percent -- the originally proposed cut which VTA sidestepped by issuing bonds on Measure A funds -- service had already been reduced by 9 percent last April and fares were just increased in August.

The downward slide was to be expected. Dependent on sales tax, the VTA has been mired in financial difficulties since revenue in the county began to decline in 2000. But it is particularly unfortunate that Mountain View seniors are being impacted.

Included in the 3 percent cuts was the elimination of bus service to the Senior Center on Escuela Avenue.

It's no secret that cars are crucial to getting around the Peninsula. And while some of the seniors who go to the Senior Center for classes, lunch and other activities do drive themselves, many others take the bus. They should not be forced to drive now.

Obviously, the VTA has a job to do and certainly, no one wants to continue limiting the use of the county's public transportation system. It appears the service cuts were mandatory to keep the system afloat. According to the VTA, the cuts are based on ridership, area demographics, economic needs and other elements.

And, while seniors will suffer as a result of these cuts, other routes in Mountain View carry passengers who are just as reliant on affordable public transportation to get to work, to run errands or to see friends.

The situation begs the question: Are we, as voters and as residents, spending our transportation dollars wisely? How badly do we need capital projects, such as the new Highways 85-101 interchange? And is it even possible to maintain and improve infrastructure for both drivers and public transportation passengers?

While VTA may have no other choice than to do what it did last week, it is unfortunate that we continue to see the reduction of a service that is crucial to some residents' livelihoods and that in the past was always there, if you needed it.

E-mail a friend a link to this story.