Comments on: AJC Poll: Metro Voters Narrowly Approve of Transportation Tax

By: Bobby

Bobby — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 21:26:32 +0000

Under existing law, I believe DeKalb would need to quit HOST (likewise Fulton and its LOST); it’s probably way more likely that the exceptions to the sales tax cap would be amended, as with TIA (the maximum duration for a SPLOST would need to be similarly waived).

The route I prefer is removing all road capital from the “constrained list.” The full roundtable could do that before October 15, or we could try that in 2014 (unless the referendum passes in 2012). The 2014 scenario could be squashed by legislature.

By: brianc

brianc — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 21:07:40 +0000

“what transit would make sense in only those two counties”

I think the Clifton Corridor plan would have a regional benefit. Extending the rail line further into N.Fulton makes sense from a regional standpoint too. Let Clayton, Cobb, and Gwinnett vote on joining MARTA. In the meantime, it is far past time for MARTA to use a distant-based fare system, including an airport surcharge. It’s flabbergasting that a person can ride the train thirty miles to the airport for two bucks. But I digress…
I’m unconvinced this regional, road/transit amalgamation, even it manages to win voter approval, is going to end well. Frankly, I’d rather pay another penny to strengthen and maintain our existing transit infrastructure than pay anything more toward lane-widening, highways etc.

By: brianc

brianc — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 20:43:07 +0000

Thanks for the explanation. I’m still not clear about the earliest possible date for any transit referendums in Dekalb and Fulton, but I’d definitely be inclined to vote against the TIA if I thought there were a reasonable chance of a SPLOST in those counties for an all- transit plan.

By: Steve

Steve — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 20:30:17 +0000

Your augment is sort of weak when you look at places like NY, Chicago, LA, etc, where people commute 30 miles or more on commuter rail. There are people in Atlanta who commute 30 miles in a car to downtown.

By: AnotherRick

AnotherRick — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 20:15:02 +0000

I don’t see how this fact leads to your conclusion. MARTA does not have the funds to maintain the what they have. To me that means they may need more revenue.