Pierce Transit is facing a large deficit - a deficit likely to result in a 35% cut in services unless Pierce County Voters pass Proposition 1 this February.

Prop 1, which will be the only item on February's ballot, would increase the sales tax that funds Pierce Transit and consequently save the agency from making the massive cuts. The new sales tax would cost three pennies for every ten dollars spent.

"Pierce Transit is one of few agencies that have not maxed out their taxing authority," explains Justin Leighton, who sits on the steering committee of Save Our Buses, the campaign advocating the approval of Prop 1.

Save Our Busses says that Pierce Transit has worked hard to avoid requesting an increase in taxes. The agency has focused on cutting costs, streamlining and improving efficiency. Pierce Transit has experienced 5% layoffs, delayed or eliminated capital projects, implemented a 6% service reductions and even increased regular adult fares. These actions, along with employee-identified operation efficiencies, have saved over $89 million dollars.

"They've done a good job of mitigating loses thus far in a recession," says Leighton, who is quick to emphasize that Prop 1 is all about saving current services, not expanding them. "This isn't about increasing service. This isn't about increasing pay. This is all about preserving what we already have."

If Proposition 1 fails and the massive cuts are enacted, Save Our Basses says many of the services Pierce County residents have come to expect  will be reduced or eliminated. Express and commuter services will go from 15 to 30-45 minute wait times (which may also lead to overloaded busses). Weekend service may be slashed, with 60-minute minimum waits throughout most of Pierce County (which would especially impact elderly and low-income residents). Finally, service in many outlying areas of Pierce County may be eliminated all together, along with the shuttle service for disabled people.

Currently, there is no opposition campaign being waged against Prop 1. Nonetheless, Save Our Busses will be running a rigorous grassroots campaign on behalf of Prop 1 - which commences with a campaign kick-off event Nov. 22 at The Hub in Tacoma. Leighton says the general public is invited and encouraged to attend the kick-off, which starts at 6:30 p.m.