On this evening PSTA will have the first of 2 public hearings on their budget for 2014. Please attend as Barb challenges PSTA on their numbers. Please find the time!
The second hearing will be Sept 11. Please come and support our efforts!
September 4, 2013
Although it is very frustrating to put up with the manipulations and constantly "moving facts" of these board members it is important we attend and have records of these meetings that can b
September 4, 2013
and by the time the construction is done the project is totally outdated and yet taxpayers will have the burden of paying for it for many years to come
September 4, 2013
FOR RAIL ONLY:
After the meeting last night, I was able to interview Mr. Miller. Some items you may find useful tonight.
A Ridership of 24,000 per day was used in the business model
O&M costs (including salary) is expected to be 25 to 30 million a year.
Doing the math, a fare of 2.80 to 3.40 covers the budget: If the presumptions are met.
PSTA expects between 300 and 500 permanent full time jobs to be created in the post construction period. Doing some more math, this means the O&M budget is about half salary and benefits and half hardware (office space, tram maint., parts, etc).
The cost of the construction is roughly equal to the cost of the US19 improvement and the Ulmerton Rd Improvements combined.
I do not attach a level of credibility (good or bad) to these, I just thought that people attending might want to be aware before going.
September 4, 2013
PSTA estimates they will hire 300 more people. They currently employ 256. So they will double their staff. Where will the pension money come from? Are costs included in light rail PAA?
There will be jobs created after the rail is built, but during its construction (ave construction time is 14 YEARS!) how many jobs will be lost? If we break even on jobs we will be lucky. In the meantime, it will be the middle class guy who loses his job & house, as the labor union will bring all their workers from outside Pinellas to build the rail.
What is wrong with the taking a bus? If the rail was really needed PSTA would have an Express bus going from St. Pete to Clearwater now.
1 · September 4, 2013
This may be a baby and bathwater scenario. The revisions to the bus lines are really good, but of course don't solve the operating deficit. We would just have a better product for that deficit.
One item I neglected to mention before: The 3/4 mil cut in the property appraiser tax is NOT a reduction in the cap on that tax. What that means is that the 3/4 cut out can be targeted for use by other interests in the general fund.
If we had more time, I would support the bus changes, eliminate the rail, and cap the millage. The latter would take action by Tallahassee, I think - have not verified that.
September 4, 2013
I plan to be there. If I can meet someone at Mickey's Clubhouse or some other more convenient place, I'd like to. I did print out the directions if this is not possible.
Doris Houdesheldt
August 26, 2013
You may consider in addition or as an alternative:
“The future of transportation in Pinellas and how it will affect you!”
Keynote Speaker is Brad Miller, Chief Executive of Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority
Tuesday, September 3, 2013 @ 7:00pm
Metro Wellness Center[masked]rd Ave N.
August 26, 2013
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Are they planning to have next week's meeting at 6 p.m. also?
Doris H.