FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 17, 2007

SORTA BOARD APPROVES METRO SPENDING REDUCTIONS
Without fare increase, bus replacement funds will also be used to balance budget

CINCINNATI - At its meeting this week, the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority approved just under $500,000 in spending reductions for the remainder of 2007. The reductions were developed by Metro staff in response to the denial of a proposed $2.3 million fare increase by Cincinnati City Council in late June.

To balance its 2007 budget without the proposed fare increase, SORTA will also have to use $1.8 million in funds originally set aside to purchase replacement buses for its aging fleet.

Spending reductions for the remainder of this year include:

• Revamping bus operator training
• Reducing customer relations and administrative training
• Reducing printing and advertising
• Eliminating an open manager's position
• Changing bus cleaning and fueling processes

Additional reductions may be needed to assure that SORTA ends the year with a balanced budget, as required under state law. High fuel costs, decreases in state funding, and inadequate federal and state grants to replace old buses are factors affecting SORTA's 2007 budget.

"We are taking the necessary steps to stabilize SORTA's 2007 budget, but there are impacts. Using bus replacement funds to pay for operating expenses jeopardizes the infrastructure of our transit system," said Stephan Louis, SORTA vice chairperson. Our ability to maintain service quality and levels will be compromised if our fleet is allowed to deteriorate."

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