We are writing in regard to the cuts in the Snoqualmie Valley Transportation budget which have resulted in the termination of shuttle service to Two Rivers School.

Because nothing about this issue has been run in either of the local newspapers, community residents may not know about it unless they or someone they know have been directly affected by it. Since that termination took effect on Sept. 24, our school has experienced a dramatic drop in attendance because students continue to lack any means of transportation.

One of the students, who lives way out on the outskirts of Fall City, rarely makes it to school now. Another is usually late getting to school and has to wait two hours after school every day for her ride. We fear that many students missing school who expect to graduate soon will fail their classes and as a result fail to graduate on schedule.

We need the shuttle to get to school so we can receive our education like students at other schools in the district. Without the shuttle Two Rivers School as we know it is in danger. As an alternative school TRS has flexible scheduling, and the SVT shuttle provided rides that fit our needs and the needs of the school. The shuttle cannot be easily replaced.

We understand that the cut in funding must result in the cutting back of SVT service. But we question how and why Two Rivers School was singled out for termination. What other possibilities were considered? Weren’t there routes besides MT54 which could be trimmed, or across-the-board reductions in service which would keep us from the chopping block? And why have students who have tried to schedule shuttle rides to other destinations near school been refused service on the grounds that they were Two Rivers students?

In short – why us?

Sincerely,

Olivia Barragan

Mason Blalock

Patrick Brown

Dylan Cook

Jordin Forgey

Cortney Harris

Darian Michaud

Taylor Mosier

Alexis Van Wolvalaere

Students at Two Rivers School