Update on Sound Transit Fare Enforcement

Your Update on What's Happening at the King County Council  

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Yesterday, the Sound Transit Board approved new fare enforcement policies that create loopholes allowing ill-intentioned riders to evade paying their fare without any consequences. Before the vote, I voiced my opposition in a letter, urging them to reject the proposal to neglect fare collections.  

By removing the role of law enforcement, there are no longer mechanisms in place to identify or track chronic fare evaders. In addition, riders can no longer be suspended from Sound Transit.

This inability to collect fares damages Sound Transit’s financial viability. Currently, fares collected from riders are covering only 5% of operating costs, a mere fraction of their 40% farebox recovery goal. Sound Transit simply cannot afford to send a message that non-payment is acceptable. Ultimately, this policy punishes honest riders and taxpayers by making them bear the burden of these ever-mounting costs.

I am deeply disappointed that the Sound Transit Board has acted to reduce fare enforcement and will continue to push for policies that are fiscally responsible here at King County.

Sincerely,

Reagan Dunn King County Councilmember District 9

Join Me at the Virtual Conference on Substance Use Disorders

RSVP today for the King County Conference on Substance Use Disorders, which will examine substance use from a variety of angles, such as:

• The status of substance use after two years of the pandemic
• Fentanyl as a public health crisis
• The implicit bias and stigma of addiction
• The impact of addiction within the family
• Stories of recovery and hope

This conference is a great resource for anyone who has a loved one who struggles with substance use, has struggled with substance use themselves, or simply wants to learn more about this important issue. Anyone and everyone is welcome to attend, and I hope to see you there! You can register online here.

Apply for Rural Behavioral Health Grants

Rural populations face significant health disparities compared to their urban counterparts, including higher rates of alcohol use and drug use, and have more limited access to healthcare services. During COVID, both substance use disorders and mental health conditions have been exacerbated--making the expansion of treatment a critical task.

In 2020, I sponsored a budget proviso to expand access to addiction recovery and mental health treatment in rural areas. These funds are now available! Applications are due Tuesday, May 3rd.

For more information about the Expanded Behavioral Health Services in Rural King County grant opportunity, visit the DCHS blog.

For more information about the Rural Youth Suicide Prevention and Peer Services grant opportunity, visit the DCHS blog. 

Applications Open for Youth & Amateur Sports Grants

The Youth Sports & Outdoor Recreation Relief Fund program distributes federal Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery (CLFR) funding to nonprofit organizations providing programs and facilities that support youth access to physical activity. 

For more information and to apply, visit the King County Parks website.