RVTD asking voters to approve property tax levy

Medford, Ore. — Bus service in the Rogue Valley could face cuts to routes and service if voters don’t approve a tax levy next month.

The Rogue Valley Transportation District board is asking voters for a five year levy of 13 cents per $1,000. RVTD’s General Manager, Julie Brown, said that’s less than $2 a month on the average home.

The extra money would allow RVTD to add two new routes, one at the RCC campus in White City and another in East Medford.

But if the levy doesn’t pass, RVTD would be forced to cut evening hours and Saturday services next year.

“Where it really hurts is the people who use the system. That’s where it really makes a difference. These people are low income, elderly, disabled, along with people who have just made a choice to leave their car at home. They absolutely depend on this,” Brown said.

RVTD is asking for help now because a three year federal grant that expanded evening hours and weekend service ends in 2015.