WTA drivers Tiffany Hodge (left) and Robin Ceranova (right) stand outside the Whatcom County Courthouse advocating support for Whatcom Transportation Authority and continued service with other drivers and bus regulars on Thursday morning. Photo by Hailey Tucker

While protestors stood outside holding signs and danced in the street to songs such as “I Will Survive” and “Car Wash,” the Whatcom Transportation Authority board members sat inside discussing and listening to public opinions on the possible cutbacks.

The cuts could potentially include all Sunday routes, along with some weekday and Saturday routes as well. According to Mark Lowry, president of Amalgamated Transit Union, Local Union 843, said the WTA, funded 90 percent by sales tax, is proposing the cuts because of a decline in WTA funds.

“Our view is that a drastic move like this needs to be done as a last resort, and we haven’t rolled every rock yet,” Lowry said. “It’s too early to do this, and that’s why we’re out here with signs and flags and banners and making some noise.”

Protestors consisted of ATU members, citizens affected by the cutbacks and members of other organizations such as Jobs with Justice, a national organization that works to promote workers’ rights.

Protestors began showing up at approximately 7:15 a.m., but some moved inside to share their opinions once the 8 a.m. public hearing began.

By 8:30 a.m., approximately 12 protestors remained on the corner of Grand Avenue and Lottie Street holding signs such as “Transit the right choice,” and “Keep transit rolling.”

Protestors were in high sprits, shaking pompoms and wearing blinking red lights on their jackets and hats, as cars lights on their jackets and hats as cars drove by honking their horns in support.

“The more energy you have, the more you get noticed,” said Cathy Holland, a WTA bus driver who was seen frequently dancing across the street.

Music came from a nearby boom box sitting atop a car decked out in not only protest signs and balloons, but also a nearly life-size Pink Panther stuffed animal stuck to the back of the car. The Pink Panther also held a protest sign.

Don Meador, a WTA bus driver, said the rally was not just about the bus routes at risk, but WTA jobs too.

“I’m here because of the impact on the community and because 28 jobs are on the line here too,” Meador said.

Mike Toner, a mechanic for WTA, said he was also concerned about people losing their jobs due to the cuts in bus routes.

“[If routes are cut] I’d see people that I work with lose their jobs, lose their livelihood,” Toner said.

Lowry said the potential loss of jobs could stretch beyond just WTA employees.  He said it could affect people who are dependent on public transit, such as many people with special needs, the elderly and those who cannot afford to drive.

Jedi Moerke, the president for the Northwest Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Washington, said the cuts would especially put the disabled at risk for job loss.

“People commute from the county area, which are some of the cuts that are being proposed,” Moerke said. “If we can’t commute to work, we can’t compete in the job market.”

Moerke said the unemployment rate for the visually impared is at 70 percent. She said many visually impaired people rely on public transportation to get around.

“We are transit-dependent people…if Sunday services are cut, we would literally be bound to our homes,” Moerke said.

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