Public transit advocates announced Thursday they will host a public forum and panel discussion next week to examine the future of public transportation in Pierce County.

The event follows an announcement earlier this week that Pierce Transit plans to cut services by 34 percent later this year after a ballot measure to help pay for services was rejected by voters in November.

Panelists will discuss why transit is necessary for the community and local economy, explore options for public transit in Tacoma, and look at what may, or may not, be possible at the state Legislature this year. Local leaders and regional transit advocates will discuss where supporters can focus their advocacy efforts at state and local levels.

The free event will be held on Thurs., Jan. 24 between noon and 1 p.m. at Carwein Auditorium on the University of Washington Tacoma campus in downtown Tacoma. The event is co-sponsored by Downtown On the Go and Transportation Choices Coalition. Panelists will include Tacoma City Councilmember and Pierce Transit Boardmember Lauren Walker, Pierce Transit spokesperson Lars Erickson, Transportation Choices Coalition Executive Director Rob Johnson, and Transportation for Washington Field Director Brock Howell. The panel discussion will be moderated by Downtown On the Go Manager Kristina Walker.

More information is available online here.