The Metropolitan Transit District board opted not to vote on massive cuts in bus service this week, extending the deadline for such action until 9/17. MTD’s “action” came in reaction to the federal Department of Labor, which likewise withheld taking any definitive action by the 8/16 deadline it had set on the release of billions of dollars in federal transit funds earmarked for more than 80 transit agencies throughout California. The feds held off because they’re currently negotiating with Governor Jerry Brown, whose recent pension reform act raised the ire of unions — and, in tune, the dissatisfaction of the Dept. of Labor officials — for being an affront to collective bargaining rights. Without the $4.6 million a year, MTD officials would likely lay off up to 50 drivers and cut services by 30 percent. MTD will hold another public hearing on the proposed cuts on 9/10.
