MACFARLANE SENDS THE PROPAGANDA AROUND TO THE MAYORS OF THE AREA

Subject: The Challenges & Choices Ahead
From:    "McFarlane, Neil" <McFarlaN@trimet.org>
Date:    Thu, January 5, 2012 11:35 am
To:      "'mayor@cityofestacada.org'" <mayor@cityofestacada.org>
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Dear Mayor Arnold,

As you may have heard, TriMet is facing a $12 to $17 million budget
shortfall. Tough budget choices are ahead and we want to know what's most
important to you and your community.

We invite you to review the issues presented in this guide
trimet.org/choices<http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTExMjE1LjQ0NzczMzEmbWVzc2FnZWlkPU1EQi1QUkQtQlVMLTIwMTExMjE1LjQ0NzczMzEmZGF0YWJhc2VpZD0xMDAxJnNlcmlhbD0xNjgxNTQwOCZlbWFpbGlkPXRob21wc29jQHRyaW1ldC5vcmcmdXNlcmlkPXRob21wc29jQHRyaW1ldC5vcmcmZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&&&100&&&http://trimet.org/choices/why-is-there-a-budget-shortfall.htm>
. You will see that "everything is on the table" when it comes to possible
cost-saving measures. All options are being discussed. One of these
options is the possible reduction of low-performing bus service. This
includes lines that serve less than 15 riders per vehicle hour. Thus, I
want to give you an early heads up that, as you may already know, in
Clackamas County, these lines are 30-Estacada, 37-Lake Grove, 36-South
Shore, 38-Boones Ferry Road, 152-Milwaukie and 154-Willamette. We
currently are researching who rides, when they ride and for what purpose.
This information will assist with the decision-making process.

TriMet is just beginning the outreach process and is seeking input from
everyone via an online questionnaire, meetings, onboard bus outreach and
other tools. The initial feedback we receive by January 20, 2012, will
help us develop a specific proposal before our public open houses occur in
February. The feedback period continue through the public hearings in
March.

Please forward this information, encourage them to consider the issues
presented in this guide
trimet.org/choices<http://links.govdelivery.com:80/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTExMjE1LjQ0NzczMzEmbWVzc2FnZWlkPU1EQi1QUkQtQlVMLTIwMTExMjE1LjQ0NzczMzEmZGF0YWJhc2VpZD0xMDAxJnNlcmlhbD0xNjgxNTQwOCZlbWFpbGlkPXRob21wc29jQHRyaW1ldC5vcmcmdXNlcmlkPXRob21wc29jQHRyaW1ldC5vcmcmZmw9JmV4dHJhPU11bHRpdmFyaWF0ZUlkPSYmJg==&&&100&&&http://trimet.org/choices/why-is-there-a-budget-shortfall.htm>
and provide feedback. Again, we want to hear from everyone.

Your partnership and input are much appreciated - and necessary as we move
forward towards difficult choices.

Sincerely,

Neil McFarlane
TriMet General Manager