To increase efficiency and reduce an operating budget deficit due to scarce public transit operating dollars, the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Board of Directors unanimously approved a series of service adjustments affecting about 20 routes, plus a proposed new downtown terminal location. Of the 20 routes, four will be deleted, and the remainder will have reductions in frequencies, deletion of unproductive segments, or routing changes to improve productivity and reduce cost.

“We have to operate the system as effectively and efficiently as we can, with the resources that we have,” said MTS Chairman of the Board Leon Williams.  “Therefore, this is a necessary step to preserve the overall health of our public transit system.”  For the 2006 fiscal year, these changes are expected to save about $2.7 million for the year and about $3.5 million annually thereafter.

In June and July 2005, changes affecting Routes 4, 5, 11, 40, 844/845 and 962 will be implemented and Route 844A will be discontinued.  On September 6, 2005, the remainder of changes will be implemented, including discontinuing service on three other low-performing bus routes, Routes 831, 853, and 875. For a complete description of the approved changes, visit www.sdcommute.com.