MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Black religious leaders in the Twin Cities made an appeal Thursday to Christian legislators to reconsider proposed cuts to Metro Transit.

A group of ministers spoke at a news confernce about the transportation bills proposed in the Legislature, which would bring service cutbacks and fare increases to the transit operator.

The Metropolitan Council says the cuts would create a $125 million shortfall for Metro Transit over the next two-year funding cycle.

Clergy members said they believe the proposal would have a devastating impact on communities of color, low-income and the elderly people in the Twin Cities.