Shani Feyen
On November 4th, 2008, local voters will have a chance to support CATA (Capital Area Transportation Authority) as an essential public service in the Greater Lansing area. Faced with a major revenue shortfall because of increased fuel prices and decreased state funding, CATA may be forced to reduce services in the coming year. These reductions could have a lasting negative impact on many local residents.
This year, CATA will serve their 11 millionth rider; many are choosing public transportation because of rising gas prices, or view it as a greener choice, demonstrating commitment to a cleaner environment. In addition, many others rely on CATA as their central or only source of transportation. Meredith, a graduate student at MSU, relies daily on the many services CATA provides: \It's imperative for me because I need to get to work, school, extra evening activities and meetings, doctor appointments, as well as volunteer work, which often requires time on the weekends."
Proposed cuts are major, from weekday evening services to Saturday and Sunday service on most routes. Additional routes may be completely shut down, and corresponding Spec-Tran services for persons with disabilities would also be eliminated. When asked what that would mean for her, Meredith stated that "This would mean a huge loss of independence for me, and for many others in our community."
Addressing the funding shortfall requires your vote in support of the millage on November 4. The millage would cost the owner of a home valued at $100,000 about $39 dollars per year- less than what most people pay for one tank of gas today. In order to maintain these vital services within our community, CATA requires your support this coming fall through your vote!
The links below provide further information and ways to be involved in this pressing community issue!
*Reminder- register to vote by October 6! The YouVote team is involved in helping students to vote by providing information on absentee ballots, polling locations, and by helping to recruit students to be election workers at East Lansing precincts to help their fellow students on Election Day. YouVote is bringing the Michigan Secretary of State’s mobile registration van to campus on Monday, October 6 – which is the voter registration deadline. The van will be located in the front of the Auditorium from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. By registering at the van, students can vote either absentee or in person on November 4th.