Saying the study behind Fulton County’s transit master plan “lacked proper scientific rigor,” and that the plan was premature in its recommendations, the Johns Creek City Council is urging the Georgia General Assembly to put the brakes on legislation that could result in an increased sales tax to fund transit expansion.
The resolution recently passed by the council reflects Mayor Mike Bodker’s statement released Jan. 31. Bodker questioned the need for bus rapid transit and arterial bus rapid transit and a proposed half-penny, 40-year sales tax to pay for the services.
The resolution says state and regional authorities should complete an analysis that accounts for all transportation methods, including autonomous vehicles, “that demonstrates a reduction in congestion costs, an increased number of people having consistent and predictable daily trips, and a significant increase in the number of people who can reach a major employment center within 45 minutes or less.”
MARTA should determine if the transit expansion can be achieved with the present penny sales tax; and a statistically valid survey should be conducted of citizens’ views regarding transit funding and expansion, the resolution says.
About the Author
