Santa Cruz Metro bus riders outraged over possible route cuts

Some bus routes in Santa Cruz County could soon be cut. Santa Cruz Metro said those cuts are needed to keep the agency up and running. Hundreds of bus riders were outraged and showed up to County Chambers to explain why they need the bus.

“I really need it, I feel independent on the bus,” said disabled bus rider, Miriam Villalobos.

Route 72, 75, and 79 are just some of the many routes that may get chopped.

“I understand that we are in a deficit and I know it’s going to be a really challenging matter to find a solution. I feel like being a driver for Metro I get to see the necessity that transit offers for people especially with disabilities,” said Metro bus driver, James Sandoval.

The Metro buses only have two handicap spots per bus and with the possibility of less routes in the future, those riders who rely on the buses said they don’t know what they’re going to do. Villalobos doesn’t have much strength in her arms and said when she tried to wheel herself along the street drivers don’t see her.

“I’m feeling upset because 79 will be cut or discontinued, I’ve been hit by cars,” said Villalobos.

Metro’s CEO said the agency is trying to work with riders, but expenses exceed revenue by more than $6 million.

“We’re doing everything we can to come up with recommendations that still geographically cover the county as best as possible, and still create a network that you could get from Boulder Creek to Watsonville,” said CEO of Santa Cruz Metro, Alex Clifford.

Another area that might see cuts is the community college in Aptos.

“This coming week at Cabrillo College they will be voting on whether or not to implement a self-help fee on themselves this will bring about almost $1 million annually back to the budget for metro,” said Watsonville Councilman, Jimmy Dutra.

If voters pass the self-help fee, Cabrillo students would pay an annual $40 to ride any Metro bus route. Some riders have other options.

“I definitely will be buying a car and I shouldn’t be driving a car I cannot judge distance or speed and I haven’t driven a car in perhaps 40 years but I will buy a car,” said bus rider, Patricia Fohrman.

Metro’s CEO said there will be more public meetings next month and make some hard choices by June, with changes happening in early September.