The King County was expected to vote on the $20 Congestion Reduction Charge on Monday, July 25, but after hearing from hundreds of transit riders, the Council chose to delay a vote on the proposed vehicle license fee intended to prevent dramatic cuts to transit service.

"The County Council is still working on this issue, and the Executive appreciates the willingness of Councilmembers to take more time to carefully consider the merits," said Frank Abe on behalf of the KIng County Executive.

"Clearly the hundreds who turned out to speak with one voice for a rescue of Metro bus service made a difference, and we thank them for their passion and commitment," Abe said in a statement.

"The Executive looks forward to working with the Council toward an outcome that preserves transit, keeps people moving and helps get our regional economy back on track."

The Congestion Reduction Charge would raise $50 million for King County Metro Transit service. Without the money, Metro officials say they will have to cut 600,000 hours of bus service.

Last month, King County Executive Constantine submitted a package to the council that includes the first round of service cuts — a 100,000-hour reduction that could go into effect as soon as February 2012 if the reduction charge is not approved. The service cuts, based on new guidelines in Metro's Strategic Plan for Public Transportation, would heavily affect Ballard bus riders.

The council will convene to make a decision on August 15. If six out of nine council members approve the reduction charge, the measure will not be put on the ballot in November. Anything less than a supermajority vote in favor of the reduction charge will put the measure on the ballot and in voters' hands this November.

For more information, please visit our previous coverage on this issue.