Students, commuters, shoppers and other regular Santa Cruz METRO bus riders in the San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley will be among thousands of riders affected by proposed changes in bus routes in the county system.
The changes, proposed early this year, could go in effect in September, just in time for the new school year.
The proposed 25-percent reduction in bus routes across the county are designed to help offset an $8.8 million operating deficit. The proposed changes also would result in layoffs as well as the schedule changes, officials have said.
Public meetings were held last month as plans were being developed. The METRO board of directors has come up with a final plan, which will be presented in detail at nine public meetings in May, including one in Boulder Creek and one in Felton. No hearing was scheduled in Scotts Valley.
While the proposed changes in the two valleys represent less than 4 percent of the total ridership cuts, they would likely have an impact on some local school, commuting and shopping patterns, and represent nearly a 13 percent reduction in bus service to San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley.
Topping the list would be the discontinuation of Route 30, which twice daily connects Scotts Valley to Santa Crus along Graham Hill Road.
Metro Route 35, the main bus route between the coastal and mountain communities, would have significant changes, including:
n Discontinue service past Mountain Store and the Boulder Creek Country Club
n Cut service from every 30 minutes to hourly during off-peak hours
n Start one hour later and end the service day one hour earlier
The Bonny Doon Routes 41 and 42 also would be discontinued under the plan.
The Felton meeting will be from 3 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday in the Felton Community Hall, 6191 Highway 9.
The Boulder Creek meeting will be from 3 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 10, at the Boulder Creek Library, 13390 W. Park Avenue.
Final board action will take place at the June 24 METRO board meeting.
Individuals who cannot attend should sent comments to sl*****@sc***.com, or mail to 110 Vernon Street, Santa Cruz CA 95060.
For details regarding the service reduction proposal, visit: http://scmetroforward.com
WHAT: Felton public meeting
WHEN: 3-8 p.m., Wednesday, May 4
WHERE: Felton Community Hall, 6191 Highway 9
WHAT: Boulder Creek public meeting
WHEN: 3-8 p.m., Tuesday, May 10
WHERE: Boulder Creek Library, 13390 W. Park Ave.
