MTA Board Vote on Service Cuts Pushed Back to February 26

Heads up, concerned Muni riders: the MTA Board has rescheduled a key meeting from February 16 to Friday, February 26 at 9 a.m. The Board will vote on service cuts and various fare increases at the meeting, so it could be the last chance to speak your mind on Muni service before the MTA moves on to dealing with its fiscal years 2011-2012 budget deficits.

MTA spokesperson Judson True said the meeting was moved back to give the agency time to consider the voluminous feedback it received from the public during recent town hall meetings on the budget.

“These are difficult decisions and we greatly appreciate the thoughtful and constructive responses we have received,” said MTA Executive Director Nat Ford in a statement. “We know these are painful proposals, and the comments and suggestions put forth by our customers and stakeholders deserve additional review by the Agency.”

Perhaps not coincidentally, Transport Workers Union members will be voting on February 16 on whether to ratify the cost-saving proposals TWU President Irwin Lum negotiated with MTA management and the Mayor, which would cut into benefits but reduce operator layoffs.

A full list of the proposals members will vote on is included in the TWU Local 250-A member newsletter released yesterday (PDF).