Are there any service benchmarks established by the state, federal government or private industry? 3. If applicable, describe activities or services that cannot be maintained or will be eliminated at this funding level. Please address service volume impacts, potential waiting lists, etc, as compared to FY2011. At a time when demand for public transit is at the highest rate in decades, instead of increasing service to address this increased demand (and be an alternative for those struggling with the cost of fueling and maintaining their car) the current loss of dedicated local revenue and state budget cuts in the previous bienniums is forcing public transit to continue to cut existing service and/or raise fares. Cuts in transit funding in Ohio, from $43.3 million in 2001 to $10.8 million in 2010/2011, have served to compound this issue for the transit systems in Ohio. Several of the largest transit systems have cut routes and increased fares over the past two years including Cleveland, Dayton, Cincinnati and Toledo. In both rural and urban areas these cuts disproportionately affect people who are elderly, people with disabilities and working low income because of their greater dependence on public transportation. Further reductions in GRF state funding will result in more reductions of public transit service and/or fare increases, loss of jobs in the transit industry as well as reduced access for the public to jobs, schools, medical services and other essential services. The cuts will also make it more difficult for employers to recruit needed employees, negatively impact air quality, increase traffic congestion and reduce mobility options for persons who are elderly and/or have disabilities.
Are there any service benchmarks established by the state, federal government or private industry? 3. If applicable, describe activities or services that cannot be maintained or will be eliminated at this funding level. Please address service volume impacts, potential waiting lists, etc, as compared to FY2011. At a time when demand for public transit is at the highest rate in decades, instead of increasing service to address this increased demand (and be an alternative for those struggling with the cost of fueling and maintaining their car) the current loss of dedicated local revenue and state budget cuts in the previous bienniums is forcing public transit to continue to cut existing service and/or raise fares. Cuts in transit funding in Ohio, from $43.3 million in 2001 to $10.8 million in 2010/2011, have served to compound this issue for the transit systems in Ohio. Several of the largest transit systems have cut routes and increased fares over the past two years including Cleveland, Dayton, Cincinnati and Toledo. In both rural and urban areas these cuts disproportionately affect people who are elderly, people with disabilities and working low income because of their greater dependence on public transportation. Further reductions in GRF state funding will result in more reductions of public transit service and/or fare increases, loss of jobs in the transit industry as well as reduced access for the public to jobs, schools, medical services and other essential services. The cuts will also make it more difficult for employers to recruit needed employees, negatively impact air quality, increase traffic congestion and reduce mobility options for persons who are elderly and/or have disabilities.