December 31, 2008
Dear Fellow Employee:
Like so many people across our nation and state, you are probably concerned about the struggling economy and its impact on you and your family. I am writing to share with you the latest information about our budget constraints, our action plan and what you can do to help address the budget situation.
The state’s budget has left the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) with an unanticipated $18-million shortfall – a significant cut to our transit operating budget. By next fiscal year, the shortfall likely will grow to more than $30 million because of additional state cuts and declining sales tax revenues.
OCTA has conducted cost-cutting measures to help balance our budget by:
- Raising bus fares by approximately 25 percent
- Implementing hiring limits to protect existing jobs
- Reducing a modest amount of service on several bus routes
- Cutting and deferring numerous services and supplies
- Eliminating capital expenditures that are not required by state and federal mandates
We will continue to monitor sales tax revenues and any attempt by the state to make deeper cuts. We will take any necessary steps to protect jobs and our bus systems that our customers need.
OCTA is proactively working with labor leaders, business leaders, other transit agency executives and other regional and state representatives to highlight Orange County’s ready-to-go transportation projects and transit solutions to help protect existing jobs and create new jobs. Securing much-needed funds from the federal government’s proposed economic recovery package will go a long way in helping us during the financial turmoil.
While the initial economic recovery proposals in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento have focused on funding for capital construction projects, we will propose to the OCTA Board of Directors that the Authority, the transit industry, labor unions and environmental groups work together to strongly advocate that transit operating assistance be considered a vital component of any stimulus or jobs creation program.
We cannot do it alone. As a coach operator, maintenance technician, service worker or administrative employee, you experience the importance of our transit system on Orange County’s residents who rely on it every day to get to work, school, doctor’s offices, grocery stores, and other vital destinations. Sharing your voice with our elected officials is crucial. Here’s how you, your family and neighbors can help – just go online at www.octa.net/readytowork to:
- Review our ready-to-go projects and programs that will protect existing jobs and create new jobs
- Submit your ideas – big or small – online on how to cut costs and deliver more cost-effective services
- Send a letter to your congressional representative from the Web site
- Fill out a comment card on the Web site that will be shared with our elected officials
I will continue to provide updates as we work to balance OCTA’s budget and continue to fight for Orange County’s fair share of federal funds. I want to assure you that OCTA will navigate through these troubling times. I appreciate your support as we take the necessary actions to continue our ability to provide outstanding service to our customers.
Sincerely,
Arthur T. Leahy
Chief Executive Officer |