HB 4008 – Creates Transit Funding Task Force of 21 people to determine the level of funding needed to maintain adequate transit service statewide that is reliable, safe, accessible, and allows for population growth over time. Explore funding mechanisms to meet those needs. Why is there an emergency clause on a task force?

The task force shall:
(a) Determine the level of funding needed to maintain adequate transit service statewide that is reliable, safe and accessible and allows for population growth over time; and
(b) Explore funding mechanisms to achieve the funding needs determined in paragraph
(a) of this subsection

The 21-members are loaded with representation from Metro area. The task force is directed to figure out the cost and funding, which would go to Metro. They are not tasked with how to increase ridership so the transit is self-supporting. The “funding mechanism” can only mean new or increased taxes. Are they aimed a free ridership for illegal immigrants?

Prior to the passage of House Bill 2017 (2017) the state provided little in the way of
direct funding for transit operations or capital funding. However, that measure established the Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund (STIF), which provides direct funding for every transit provider in the state, as well as competitive grants to transit providers, through revenue raised by a one-mill (0.1 percent) statewide employee payroll tax.

While ridership has rebounded in many places, in most it still sits below pre-pandemic ridership levels, due in part to an increase in working from home that continues today. As a result, many transit agencies have been forced to consider and institute service cuts, thereby eliminating options here in Oregon that had grown since the institution of the STIF program. If ridership doesn’t support service in some areas, why pay drivers to drive empty buses around?

Oregonians made it clear that they don’t want more taxes, which is what this task force is directed to figure out that focuses on larger cities, primarily PDX transit.

EFFECT OF AMENDMENT:  Adds one additional legislator from each chamber and specifies that appointments will be made by presiding officer and minority leaders, respectively, with all legislators serving as non-voting members. Removes requirement that large and small employer representatives be from businesses headquartered in Oregon. Makes representative from Oregon Department of Transportation a non-voting member. Specifies that presiding officers, rather than governor, will appoint non-legislative members of task force.