METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Sacramento RT avoids service reductions planned for January 2017

In the last week, RT staff has worked closely with RT’s funding agencies and has identified a $1 million potential operating fund source.

June 14, 2016
Sacramento RT avoids service reductions planned for January 2017

Phil Kampel Photography

2 min to read


Phil Kampel Photography

Calif.’s Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT) announced that it will avoid service reductions that were expected to be implemented in January 2017.

In April 2016, RT began the process and development of a plan for service changes effective Jan. 1, 2017. The proposal would potentially include the reduction, realignment or discontinuation of bus routes and light rail service totaling $1 million in annualized savings to address a budget deficit for FY 2017.

Ad Loading...

During the past 45 days, RT staff conducted open house discussions and received many appeals from customers imploring RT to not cut service. RT staff also carefully analyzed the feedback from RT board members and community stakeholders and continued to look for any potential funding sources to determine if the service reductions could be delayed or canceled.

In the last week, RT staff has worked closely with RT’s funding agencies and has identified a $1 million potential operating fund source.

In addition, based on the latest operating revenue estimates, RT staff has revised the operating budget down by $2 million. To address this structural budget deficit issue, RT’s management team has taken the following three actions: $270,000 decrease in all non-personnel-related cost categories, reduction of 20 administrative employee positions and a significant decrease in annual salary adjustments for certain labor groups totaling a savings of $2 million.

Through these actions, it was announced RT has achieved the required amount of savings to close the budget gap and avoid major service cuts planned for January 2017.

The reduction in force process began last week. The affected employees will be on paid administrative leave for 30 to 45 days, and will receive a severance package and COBRA medical insurance for six months.

Ad Loading...

"Our customers are our first priority," said Henry Li, RT's current assistant GM, administration, and new GM/CEO, effective July 1. "The resulting actions were made to minimize the impact to our riders and employees, as well as improve service quality."

More Management

A headshot of Inez Evans Benson
Busby Alex RomanApril 15, 2026

Inez Evans Benson on Rethinking Transit Through Customer Experience

The WSP leader discusses why agencies must look beyond satisfaction metrics and take a more holistic, community-driven approach to service.

Read More →
NJ TRANSIT's new Multilevel III commuter railcar manufactured by Alstom
Technologyby StaffApril 14, 2026

Alstom Delivers First Multilevel III NJ TRANSIT Commuter Railcar

The delivery marks the first car in a 374‑vehicle order and begins the arrival of a new generation of higher‑capacity, more reliable, and more comfortable trains for one of the country’s busiest commuter rail systems.

Read More →
New Cincinnati Metro bus stop sign with large route numbers and clear layout at a city intersection, part of a systemwide signage upgrade initiative.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseApril 13, 2026

Cincinnati Metro Begins Countywide Bus Stop Sign Upgrade

Metro launches a 24-month project to replace 3,700 bus stop signs, introducing improved visibility, QR-enabled rider info, and expanded amenities across Hamilton County.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A BART train on the tracks.
Railby StaffApril 13, 2026

San Francisco's BART Breaks Multiple Records for Post-Pandemic Ridership in March

BART recorded 5,403,140 exits in March, making it the highest monthly ridership since the pandemic and surpassing the previous high set in October 2025 (5,346,890 exits).

Read More →
Rod Diridon Sr. speaking at a podium wearing a brown blazer.
Managementby StaffApril 13, 2026

Transit Leader Rod Diridon Sr., ‘Father of Modern Transit’ in Silicon Valley, Dies at 87

See how the longtime public servant and transportation visionary helped shape Bay Area transit systems and championed rail development nationwide.

Read More →
FlixBus vehicles in a parking garage.
ManagementApril 13, 2026

Intercity Bus Industry Outlook: A Mix of Apprehension & Optimism

Industry leaders see both promise and peril ahead as intercity bus travel rebounds, but unpredictable market forces threaten to reshape the sector.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Ribbon cutting photo celebrating SEPTA's new Ardmore Station
Railby StaffApril 13, 2026

Philadelphia's SEPTA Celebrates New Ardmore Station

The station was rebuilt as part of SEPTA’s Station Accessibility Program, making it fully ADA accessible with new elevators, ramps, and high-level platforms.

Read More →
Passengers in crowded SEPTA station
Managementby StaffApril 10, 2026

SEPTA Releases Proposed $2.7B Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

The plan represents an increase of just 1.9% over the current year, and includes investments in new buses, more full-length fare gates, and other enhancements for customers.

Read More →
Two Metra locomotives on rail tracks.
Railby StaffApril 10, 2026

Metra Reaches New 10-Year Agreement with BNSF

The announcement highlights the long-standing partnership between the Class I railroad and the commuter rail system, dating back to Metra's creation in 1983.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Cover Photo for Bus Tech Talk
ManagementApril 9, 2026

Bus Tech Talk: AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Leadership, Mentorship, and a Career in Transit

In Part 1, Blandon shares his journey from the U.S. Marines to a leadership role in public transit, along with insights on mentorship and professional growth within the industry.

Read More →