Metro Atlanta needs control of its transit future
If metro voters approve a transportation sales-tax initiative this year, over the next decade the Atlanta region will spend billions of dollars building at least the beginnings of a much-needed region-wide transit system.
At this point, however, we still don’t know who or what would operate such a system, and asking voters to approve such an investment without that information is asking too much.
The region’s current hodgepodge of local transit agencies, such as MARTA, Cobb Transit and Gwinnett Transit, cooperate as well as can be expected across jurisdictional lines. But that jury-rigged system would clearly be inadequate to run the type of regional system anticipated in the future.
State leaders acknowledge that reality and have been studying the problem for more than a year now. Unfortunately, the process of identifying a bureaucracy to run transit has itself become mired in bureaucracy. A Transit Governance Study Commission begun last January gave way in the fall to a Transit Governance Task Force, appointed by Gov. Nathan Deal. The task force is suppose to produce a bill to be passed in the legislative session that begins Monday, but we still don’t know what that bill might contain.
However, state officials continue to hint that the agency entrusted with overseeing regional transit in the metro area will be dominated by the state rather than the region, with a majority of members appointed by state officials. If that’s how the legislation is actually written, it’s unacceptable.
The state of Georgia contributes almost nothing to mass transit. MARTA, for example, is the only transit rail operator in the country that gets no financial support from state government. In addition, once state leaders finally became convinced that major investment was needed in the metro region’s transportation infrastructure, they dumped responsibility for approving tax increases onto voters in the region. Rather than take the political risk of deciding what projects should be built and which should not, they forced that decision upon local elected leaders in the region.
Don’t get me wrong — that’s all fine. If state leaders can’t bring themselves to embrace transit in metro Atlanta, they at least allowed the region to take that burden upon itself, and that’s progress.
However, by pushing the political risk and cost onto regional leaders, state leaders greatly weakened their argument for controlling what happens. As the Atlanta Regional Commission puts it, without making direct reference to the state, “in order for an entity to have voting rights in the decision-making process in the region’s transit governance structure, that entity must contribute financially to the operation of the region’s transit system.”
If the money to fund transit is to be raised from taxpayers in this region, with no state aid involved, then those taxpayers should have a regional governing authority that they can hold accountable. And if elected leaders from the Atlanta region are required to put their jobs on the line in designing a regional transit system, those same leaders should have substantial authority over how that system operates. It’s the only approach that makes sense.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Guides
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2011 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
69 comments Add your comment
Normal
January 6th, 2012
7:58 am
Don’t care. I’m going to move to Mick’s territory next year when I retire.
Fly-on-the-Wall
January 6th, 2012
7:58 am
Jay,
All your comments make sense and that’s the problem. These so called representatives see a chance to control money and not be held accountable. My feelings are that they see this as another way to pull additional funds into the General Fund so they can play.
Steve - USA
January 6th, 2012
8:05 am
Normal,
I hope your not moving to The Villages.
Keep Up the Good Fight!
January 6th, 2012
8:05 am
If the money to build fund transit is to be raised from taxpayers in this region, with no state aid involved, then those taxpayers should have a regional governing authority that they can hold accountable. And if elected leaders from the Atlanta region are required to put their jobs on the line in designing a regional transit system, those same leaders should have substantial authority over how that system operates. It’s the only approach that makes sense.
Definitely agree. However, that is not the Republican way. The Republican way is to force others to contribute and then to hamstring the ability of the authority to address the issues and problems and to keep their thumb in the pie while pulling out the plums for their friends in some friendly deals.
Aquagirl
January 6th, 2012
8:06 am
MARTA has become a dog-whistle word for Georgia’s wingnuts. Mention the word and you just know the mental image they’re entertaining.
stands for decibels
January 6th, 2012
8:13 am
[...] they forced that decision upon local elected leaders in the region.
Don’t get me wrong — that’s all fine.
No, actually it isn’t.
But I’ll play along for the sake of the larger argument, which you’ve presented splendidly, Jay. Kudos.
Out Bt The Pond
January 6th, 2012
8:14 am
A sales tax is just wrong. It’s regressive. It is used throughout the State because our elected leaders lack the backbone to make real decisions. Regional Transportation yes, Sales Tax No!
stands for decibels
January 6th, 2012
8:15 am
If you care about the value of your homes, you’ll support metro control of metro mass transit. If you don’t give a good crap, then you won’t.
It is as simple as that, but there are those who insist on making it more complicated.
Normal
January 6th, 2012
8:17 am
Stands,
Below, for what it’s worth…
Stevie Ray
January 6th, 2012
8:17 am
JAY,
I’m curious after living here for the most part since the 60’s, what exactly a transit solution would resemble. I see a problem of the affluent and upper middle class areas in the new exburbs aren’t likely to use mass transit regardless. Also, it seems apartment builders have a tendency to build quickly where new low-mid wage jobs (see North Point) are created.
I’m naive on this issue to be certain…it’d be helpful to know who is it we need to move around town more effectively and what system will attract same. Perhaps rail lines along all major interstates as a 20 year plan? Scares me to no end thinking about the ‘big dig” and entrusting so much loot to the RED or BLUE…
Brosephus
January 6th, 2012
8:18 am
If the money to build fund transit is to be raised from taxpayers in this region, with no state aid involved, then those taxpayers should have a regional governing authority that they can hold accountable. And if elected leaders from the Atlanta region are required to put their jobs on the line in designing a regional transit system, those same leaders should have substantial authority over how that system operates. It’s the only approach that makes sense.
AMEN!!!!!
However, with the party of small government and no regulation in charge, they will most definitely try to assume as much control over the whole situation as possible.
Brosephus
January 6th, 2012
8:20 am
I see a problem of the affluent and upper middle class areas in the new exburbs aren’t likely to use mass transit regardless. Also, it seems apartment builders have a tendency to build quickly where new low-mid wage jobs (see North Point) are created.
Pardon my frankness, but who gives a flying rat’s ass about the affluent and upper middle class. Unless they make up more than 75% of the metro area, they don’t account for sh*t. It’s time we quit catering to a few and address the needs of the majority.
Stevie Ray
January 6th, 2012
8:21 am
STANDS,
Early efforts at mass transit certainly did not improve real estate values in areas (say Perimeter Mall) where the inflows exceeded the outflows…it did provide job opportunities to many who otherwise can’t afford the freight in that neck of the woods…overtime, more affordable housing was produced but the values of those homes on the north tracks of Marta didn’t see appreciation related to rail expansion…
Keep Up the Good Fight!
January 6th, 2012
8:25 am
Also, it seems apartment builders have a tendency to build quickly where new low-mid wage jobs (see North Point) are created.
Hmmm…. a tendency or perhaps as a requirement of zoning plans.
stands for decibels
January 6th, 2012
8:26 am
10264! the sign of TEH APOCKALYPSO!
TaxPayer
January 6th, 2012
8:27 am
There Jay goes again expecting Republicans to make sense. Sorry, Jay. I couldn’t help myself.
stands for decibels
January 6th, 2012
8:28 am
Stevie, if we don’t improve our mass transit, this metro area is in for a very difficult time competing against other regions who aren’t as phobic about it.
Already our crappy commutes are the stuff of national legend. You really want to locate a company here and hope to attract the best and the brightest?
stands for decibels
January 6th, 2012
8:29 am
And normal @ 8.17, I saw that downstairs and responded. Thanks for the thoughtful words.
stands for decibels
January 6th, 2012
8:33 am
also…
the values of those homes on the north tracks of Marta didn’t see appreciation related to rail expansion…
That’s a strange example, given the explosion of residential housing that’s been built there (and continues to be built there) in just the decade I’ve been here.
Seems there are a ton of people who want to live within close range of those northern stations.
You really think the existing single-family homes in the neighborhood would be worth more without MARTA? I don’t know for certain, but it seems an unlikely outcome.
JohnnyReb
January 6th, 2012
8:36 am
Is there any chance the reason the State wants control is, they see what an outstanding job local governments do and have concerns that when it ultimately fails, which it would, there will be no one to pick it up but the State. Perhpas the Left thinks its a better idea to give control to Fulton County.
N-GA
January 6th, 2012
8:38 am
When the Interstate Highway system was launched during the Eisenhower administration, there were a lot of naysayers. Ultimately the system created millions of jobs. The trucking industry thrived, hotels and motels were built and staffed, tourism expanded, small towns became more accessible and America became “smaller”. Imagine the US with no interstate highways….I suspect you cannot.
Jm
January 6th, 2012
8:39 am
If the “state officials” are the locally elected state officials, and not reps from, say, effingham county, then I don’t see much of a problem
Probably better
Compare centennial Olympic park to woodruff and you know all you need to
RB from Gwinnett
January 6th, 2012
8:44 am
As long as the people who are currently in charge of MARTA are part of the plan to control transit in metro Atlanta, none of the surrounding counties will participate. Fix that issue and you may have some buy-in from OTP. There’s no point in buying tickets on the Titanic and giving money to people who’ve already proven beyond a shadow of a doubt they can’t manage it would be foolish.
carlosgvv
January 6th, 2012
8:44 am
Actually, Jay, we have no way of knowing if most of this tax money would actually go towards this transit system or to various political pork projects. It’s hardly a secret that tax moneys in Georgia earmarked for certain projects can dissapear quicker than you can say “corruption”. Because of this, you’re certainly right in saying that “asking voters to approve such an investment without that information is asking too much”.
JohnnyReb
January 6th, 2012
8:45 am
I was born, raised, and have lived mostly in the South side of town all my life. Personally, I’m sick and tired of resources being invested in the North side. So much has been invested and such growth there has occurred that you have the gridlock deserved. Now, the Left thinks its all of metro Atlanta’s responsibility to fix it for them. If control should be regional, then paying for it should be regional also. Each county may get some of their money back, but the plan is for the North, not everyone. I hope it fails at the ballot.
0311/1811
January 6th, 2012
8:46 am
These editorials are like the old phonograph records when you didn’t take the needle off. They just keep running and running and running.
AmVet - Progress, the most hated word in the neo-con lexicon.
January 6th, 2012
8:47 am
Regarding a raft of issues, particularly transportation, the hyper-parochialism between the power brokers, that STILL exists in this metropolitan area is the primary reason it is so dysfunctional.
To wit, crossing the Chattahoochee River into Cobb County is a trip back in time, where insular reactionaries gladly cut their noses off to spite their faces, while they endure grinding and legendary daily commutes that are some of the very worst in the nation.
I believe that as long as the backwards-focused, intransigent, covert bigots there are still alive, the problems will never be solved.
Hopefully their children recognize can break the cycle, but if the old adage is true, that the apple does not fall far from the tree, Atlanta’s transportation woes will likely never improve very much…
nelsonh
January 6th, 2012
8:48 am
That is a great idea 21st century transit where people are whisked from place to place quickly and effortlessly. That is what Atlant a is about transportation. Got to have monorails at the airport, 21st century jumbo planes. Got to do it. Have to get new people in government that see the future. No more depending on buckaroooos from Washington, take the bull by the antlers.
Jerome Horwitz
January 6th, 2012
8:48 am
All you have to do to see effective mass transit is go to DC. The Metro system is awesome and used by each rung of the economic ladder. There are stations for suburbanites to park and ride into the city. MARTA’s problem is that the train service is severely limited. If there were a way that I could get close to work via rail I’d leave my car in the lot.
Jm
January 6th, 2012
8:49 am
Uh oh
N v S again
Tecumseh would be proud
ty webb
January 6th, 2012
8:50 am
so far we’ve only had two “it’s racists”!…come on guys, don’t hold back…”resist we much”
Misty Fyed
January 6th, 2012
8:50 am
I love the negative comments regarding Republicans and their transportation plan, or lack thereof. It’s almost like the need for a long range transportation plan only materialized once the Republicans took control of the legislature.
Misty Fyed
January 6th, 2012
8:52 am
The DC system IS nice…But I’m pretty sure that is paid for with Federal money, not DC money. Any Atlanta Regional System will have to be paid for by the Atlanta region. We may want to reduce our expectations a hair.
TaxPayer
January 6th, 2012
8:54 am
Get rid of all parking lots in downtown Atlanta or perhaps change parking fees to a system that changes fees based on demand, especially around the Capitol.
stands for decibels
January 6th, 2012
9:01 am
Unless they make up more than 75% of the metro area, they don’t account for sh*t. It’s time we quit catering to a few and address the needs of the majority.
why Bros. How shrill.
Brosephus
January 6th, 2012
9:03 am
dB
Not shrill, just REAL!
TaxPayer
January 6th, 2012
9:04 am
I love the negative comments regarding Republicans and their transportation plan, or lack thereof.
You could love positive comments if they actually did something worthwhile.
stands for decibels
January 6th, 2012
9:05 am
Not shrill, just REAL!
Day-um. I hope some politician steals that for his/her campaign this year.
Brosephus
January 6th, 2012
9:08 am
dB
They better have some street cred to back it up, or else it doesn’t come off right. For example, if it’s a pol who has a history of fudging the truth, nobody’s gonna believe he’s being “real”. Also, they better attribute it to where it originated. Another Brosephus Original work of art.
TaxPayer
January 6th, 2012
9:09 am
If we’re constrained to a transportation system that is funded by money the state government is willing to spend, I’m thinkin’ a “Bring Your Own Roller Skates” system with the state maybe providing a can of paint to mark out the route. Users of the system could emulate a train by holding on to a rope as they skate.
RB from Gwinnett
January 6th, 2012
9:10 am
“If there were a way that I could get close to work via rail I’d leave my car in the lot.”
Same here. The bus/train/bus and 2+ hour communte it would take to get to work using transit now just doesn’t interest me.
RB from Gwinnett
January 6th, 2012
9:18 am
“Get rid of all parking lots in downtown Atlanta or perhaps change parking fees to a system that changes fees based on demand, especially around the Capitol.”
Parking lots are privately owned. Are you suggesting a socialist takeover of private business?
Bryan -- MARTA supporter
January 6th, 2012
9:23 am
The problem is we have a regional agency already and the other counties don’t want to buy in. MARTA stands for METROPOLITIAN ATLANTA rapid transit authority!! People are still living on perceptions of MARTA, most which are untrue. People think MARTA brings crime and the is so much crime on MARTA. There is an article right on AJC that shows a total of 410 crimes for the year for MARTA. Now I’m sure there were a lot that went unreported. But MARTA moves 500,000 people a day!! That is 182,500,000 a year!! There is also a preception that MARTA mis manages their money. I can admit there were times in the past that has happened. But currently that doesn’t happen. Dr Beverly Scott does a great job providing service with very limited funds. Most are just looking at MARTA making cuts and saying “They can’t be doing what they need with their money.” Lets work with what we have and expand from there versus trying to create a new agency, which could take forever!! We need transit now!!
Keep Up the Good Fight!
January 6th, 2012
9:23 am
off topic: An Iowa GOP caucus voter who helped count the votes at his small caucus meeting in Moulton, Iowa claims that former Gov. Mitt Romney (R-MA) accidentally received 20 extra votes than he earned — a claim which, if true, would change the winner of the unusually close caucus to former Sen. Rick Santorum
Oh no…. voter fraud! If only the GOP had checked voter IDs. Showing those state issued voter IDs certainly would have stopped this voting count mishap! We should immediately pass more voter ID laws to stop this fraud!
Brosephus
January 6th, 2012
9:25 am
RB
I’m not sure if ALL parking lots are privately owned downtown or not as I don’t travel down there, but if they changed their parking fees to a system based on demand, I don’t think that would be any type of socialist takeover at all. That sounds like capitalistic opportunity to me.
Agree with you on the rail thing. I wish I had an option other than driving, but the express bus doesn’t start running until the time I have to be at work. People that work early like me have no option other than driving or carpooling with co-workers. I’d ditch my car in a min if the train ran out to where I lived and I could hop one to work. A monthly pass would have to exceed $200 a month before it would cost less to drive based on gas alone.
Stevie Ray
January 6th, 2012
9:27 am
BROCEPHUS@8:20
Chippy today? Out of context you take my point. In most major cities (NYC, Chicago for example) most everyone rides public transit as it is the most attractive alternative. So take your race bait and put it with your flowerly, uncharacteristic adjectives. Any transit program to be successful can’t simply be attractive to a single segment of the population. I would think that for the middle class and above to vote for something and likely finance the lions share of same they would need to see some benefit as opposed to another entitlement…
Bryan -- MARTA supporter
January 6th, 2012
9:32 am
The other issues are that everyone wants more rail, which is GREAT!! But no one wants to pay for it. We want to come up with “solutions” like light rail to Cobb. We need an expanded heavy rail system to the Big 5 counties, commuter rail and express bus service to the rest of the metro area, and streetcar/light rail system WITHIN the city of Atlanta and parts of Dekalb. Add a more frequent bus service and you’ll have a great transit system.
There are just too many battles going on in the area. You have the racial battle. Whites don’t want Blacks in “their area.” Then you have the ITP versus OTP. They don’t want the problems of Atlanta to fall in their area. Then you have the new Georgians versus the old ones. Most of the retired folks don’t care and don’t want transit because of the preceptions they have, while there is a whole new class of younger people that do.
Bottom line is that a transit push is needed and without Atlanta being a success the rest of the region will suffer.
(ir)Rational
January 6th, 2012
9:33 am
Bryan – Like it or not, MARTA, even though the name says Metropolitan Atlanta, isn’t for the entire metro area. Now GRTA on the other hand, was created for that specific purpose. But then again, that is part of the problem. We have GRTA, CCT, Gwinnett Transit, CATS, MARTA, those orange buses that run through Buckhead, and who knows how many others. Maybe if all were put under just one system, we could get something done. Even then, you’re still going to have to overcome the preconceived notions that people in the metro area have about transit.
Stevie Ray
January 6th, 2012
9:35 am
STAND,
Disagree. The residential growth in those particular areas (PMall, North Point, Mall of GA) have nothing to do with MARTA. That’s where the jobs and proximity to same exists. In those locales, few if any homeowners us MARTA for commuting due to the access issues (offices proximity to stations), a mistaken but real uncomfort with change, and the fact the people love their cars….I take it occaisionally to airport but have to drive 12 miles to nearest station then endure 15 or so stops since no local trains exist.
Sadly, when the Perimeter Mall station first opened, crime in the Mall skyrocketed…which is now under control but it scared locals to no end and pushed many to drive a distance toward NPoint or Mall of GA…not racial but fact.
Brosephus
January 6th, 2012
9:38 am
Stevie Ray
Not chippy at all. I just don’t agree with what you said. IF, and that’s a big IF, plans have to take into consideration what the affluent and upper middle class wants without addressing the needs of the majority of the people, then you’re doing exactly what you said can’t be done with your 9:27 post:
Any transit program to be successful can’t simply be attractive to a single segment of the population.
We have this perception that we have to have approval for different segments in order to get buy-in on things. I don’t buy that. If you design a good functional system, people are gonna use it no matter what their socio-economic class is at that time. The people who are afraid of using it will still have their excuses to not use it. Those excuses of the few should not hamper the rest of us from building something functional that will aid the entire metro area.
I’m just tired of hearing excuses, there was no ill intent in relation to your post.