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Transit leaders warn HB 2017 gains are at risk as costs eat revenue
Summary
Transit providers praised the service expansions funded after House Bill 2017 but said rising costs for vehicles, maintenance and wages — and a static payroll tax share — have eroded those gains and left agencies seeking supplemental funding options.
Brian Vitulli, general manager of the Tillamook County Transportation District, told the work group that HB 2017 delivered meaningful service improvements but that operating costs are rising faster than the dedicated revenue. "House Bill 2017 was a huge benefit to all of us transit providers," he said, noting that the law enabled evening and weekend service and higher frequency for many systems.
Vitulli gave local statistics to show dependence on transit in rural districts: his agency provides about 1,900 trips a week and roughly 100,000 passenger trips a year — services used for groceries, medical appointments and work. Panelists urged the subgroup on funding tools to first defend the current payroll‑tax share that supports transit while examining complementary revenue sources, and to model the effect of inflation and wage growth on service levels.
