Metro cutbacks could leave some stranded

05:37 PM CST on Monday, March 14, 2005

By Carolyn Campbell / 11 News

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Metro is scaling back its bus service to a neighborhood in northwest Houston. Some residents there said it would leave them stranded in their community with no way to work, school or even to the doctor.

The people who ride Route 64 said it's a necessity. So as word gets around that the route may be cut, riders in the Acres Home community have plenty to say.

"I ride seven days a week," a troubled rider said.

"We are tax paying citizens out here and we need 64," said Miller X, bus rider.

Shirley Scott has depended on the public bus system most of her life. She uses the 64 for weekly doctor visits. "Be big trouble. I'd be in big trouble if I lose the 64 because I have a hard time getting to the hospital as it is," she said.

Metro said the route is on the chopping block because ridership is low. In October there were 762 daily riders, but Metro said 815 are needed to make the route affordable.

"We need the service," said Beatrice Kyes, bus rider. "But they say it's not enough people riding here. I can see it's not a whole lot of people riding it, but we still need the service."

The 64 is one of Metro's lifeline routes, which means it passes by important facilities like schools and clinics.

"It is definitely a lifeline. You know, this is the life of our community," said a concerned citizen.

Metro said a final decision has not been made yet, but it will come soon. They said right now they are trying to come up with alternatives. Route 64, Metro said, is one of seven routes across the city that could be cut.