Intercity Transit invites public comment on its proposed 2013 budget. Members of the public can comment in person at a public hearing on November 7, or by e-mail, letter, or phone. The Intercity Transit Authority will make a final decision about the budget on December 5, 2012.

The total proposed 2013 budget is $47,879,026, of which $35,913.344 is for operations $11,965,682 is for capital improvements. The proposed 2013 budget is conservative and about 18.4 percent lower than 2012 due primarily to this fall’s completion of the Hawks Prairie Park & Ride, a major capital expense.

The 2013 proposed budget includes:

• A slight service increase due to the addition of Dial-A-Lift hours.
• Upgrading bus stops with accessibility improvements and energy-efficient solar lighting.
• Improving security at the Lacey Transit Center and the Martin Way Park & Ride.
• Purchasing one expansion and nine replacement Dial-A-Lift vehicles.
• Purchasing 45 expansion and replacement vanpool vehicles.
• Completing the Olympia Transit Center expansion design and engineering work and significant progress in construction.
• An additional Travel Training Coordinator to expand the agency's travel-training program. A successful Travel Training program could reduce demand for additional Dial-A-Lift service.

Intercity Transit's draft budget is driven by the policies and action strategies outlined in its 2013-2018 Transit Development Plan (TDP) and 2013-2018 Strategic Plan, both of which are formed with public input. The TDP, updated every April, defines the basic services Intercity Transit will provide over the next six years and the financial resources necessary to implement those services at a status quo level. The Strategic Plan, updated each fall, is Intercity Transit’s other primary planning tool. It outlines public service and operational details, capital investments, and policy direction for the agency, often defining how the agency might grow to meet demand. (The 2013-2018 Strategic Plan is currently in draft form and is expected to be adopted at the Authority's November 7 meeting.)

Getting Information

Proposed 2013 Budget materials are available at the Intercity Transit business office, 526 Pattison Street SE, Olympia, the Olympia Transit Center, and by calling 360-786-8585.

Providing Comment

 In addition to attending the November 7 public hearing, citizens may comment by:

• E-mail:  tellus@intercitytransit.com
• Mail:  Budget, Intercity Transit, P.O. Box 659., Olympia, WA 98507
• Telephone:  comment line at 360-705-5852

Intercity Transit must receive comments not made at the public hearing by 4 p.m. November 7 to be considered. The hearing will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Intercity Transit's administrative office, 526 Pattison Street SE, Olympia. Routes 62A, 62B, and 66 serve this location.