In fewer than 100 days, voters in metro Atlanta will decide whether to make an unprecedented investment in transportation improvements including several ground-breaking transit projects that will connect to the existing MARTA system.
The historic referendum on July 31 is an acknowledgment that the region’s future will hinge on our collective ability to create a model transit system that gives us a competitive edge as a magnet for economic development — new industries, significant employment opportunities and world-class talent.
MARTA’s mission states, we will “... strengthen communities, advance economic competitiveness, and respect the environment by providing a safe and customer-focused regional transit system.”
We take our mission very seriously. A priority of MARTA is to connect with our community. That means understanding our customers and potential customers and their transportation needs. We believe that by working to meet those needs and by providing an educational component that explains the benefits of public transportation to all parts of the community — customers, business and legislative — MARTA will truly meet the goal of its mission. This is especially true as we all struggle with the high price of gas and burdensome traffic congestion.
While we are disappointed a successful outcome to the suspension of the 50/50 funding issue was not accomplished during the recently concluded session Georgia General Assembly, we are confident that continued dialogue will produce a stronger, more fiscally responsible and efficient operational system for MARTA.
The MARTA board is committed to working collaboratively with the Georgia Legislature to make changes necessary to ensure has MARTA can provide world-class transit options. Long-term success and sustainability will require legislative action in 2013 to remove the 50/50 requirement language. We are optimistic since legislative leadership has indicated to MARTA that they are committed to working with us to ensure the issue is addressed.
The decrease in sales tax revenue and the non-suspension of 50/50 funding creates significant challenges, but MARTA is committed to creating and maintaining a responsible balanced budget. The 2012-13 budget will focus on safe, responsive and customer-driven transit services. MARTA’s board is committed to making service preservation a top priority but recognizes that the organization must make prudent, business-modeled decisions.
As the transportation referendum approaches, the eyes of the nation are upon us, and thus we must all stand together to show that we are creating the next positive chapter of Atlanta’s storied history.
Frederick L. Daniels Jr. is chairman of the MARTA Board of Directors.
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