T-SPLOST: Is traffic just not as bad for Republicans?
The AJC ran a couple of stories recently reporting the results of an opinion poll regarding the T-SPLOST referendum. My colleague Jim Galloway posted the cross tabs for the poll Monday, and a lot of the findings are predictable — e.g., self-identified Republicans are less likely to support a tax increase.
The most interesting finding in my view, however, was on a question that would seem to have nothing to do with partisanship or ideology: How often are you inconvenienced by traffic congestion?
Here are the results:
Democrats:
Daily — 28%; A Few Days a Week — 34%; Rarely — 27%; Never — 11%
Republicans:
Daily — 17%; A Few Days a Week — 26%; Rarely — 42%; Never — 15%
Independents:
Daily — 21%; A Few Days a Week — 49%; Rarely — 27%; Never — 2%
I was shocked by the difference between traffic problems for Democrats and Independents and those for Republicans. There are as many GOPers who say they rarely are inconvenienced by traffic as there are who say it happens daily or a few times a week. Frequent traffic jams confront 62 percent of Democrats and 70 percent of Independents, but only 43 percent of Republicans.
What gives?
According to the poll, Democrats are more than twice as likely as Republicans and almost three times as likely as Independents to use mass transit regularly, so it’s not that Republicans are using other commuting options in greater numbers. And we know from voting patterns that counties like Cobb, Cherokee, Gwinnett and Fayette, as well as North Fulton — places where you’d expect commutes to be worst — are heavily Republican.
I guess a lot of retirees may have identified as Republicans. But enough to account for such a large difference?
Any other ideas out there? And could it be that, besides being generally anti-tax, metro Atlanta Republicans might oppose the T-SPLOST because traffic simply isn’t as big of a problem for them?
– By Kyle Wingfield
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99 comments Add your comment
quick work break
September 27th, 2011
9:26 am
ugh–the stereotyping hoards above make me nauseous. I agree with the thoughtful few here that if the poll also included questions on the proposed tax, it could easilly bias other answers, knowing they’re related. But my work web nazis are blocking the cross-tab link, so I couldn’t verify.
UGA 1999
September 27th, 2011
9:30 am
This is because the GOP are not whinners that feel like everything should be easy and given to them. They are not inconvenienced by traffic because occassionally they EXPECT to have traffic issues.
Cyril
September 27th, 2011
9:33 am
I’ll offer a guess that I don’t believe has been proposed yet. I will assume that either Republicans responded in the way in which they did because of the order the questions were asked, or I would purely guess that the survey/poll was identified as a poll on the TSPLOST possibly before question even began. Once it is clear to the individual being polled what the topic of the poll is about, it is their natural inclination to then back up their support or opposition towards said topic by their responses to follow up questions. So, not only would Republicans be less likely to find traffic an issue because of their lack of support for the TSPLOST, but Democrats would be more likely to find traffic an issue because of their support for TSPLOST.
Ron Burgundy
September 27th, 2011
9:35 am
Democrats are lazy smelly pirate hookers!
Gman
September 27th, 2011
9:39 am
Those that identified themselves as Republicans gave the responses they gave because they believed that the poll was taken to provide fuel for rapid transit (which they are against even if gas reached $10/gal.
ND
September 27th, 2011
9:41 am
It’s also possible that Republicans said they were rarely inconvenienced by traffic because they intentionally wanted to influence the poll so as to make transit seem like less of a necessity…
Ron Burgundy
September 27th, 2011
9:41 am
I love marta. Especially when I sit by some idiot listening to gangsta rap so loud onn his headphones. Its also awesome when said rider moves his head up and down and mouths the N word as well.
I think the only ambience thing missing is to have urine smell wafting throughout the cabin….oh wait…it already does.
DebbieDoRight
September 27th, 2011
9:46 am
“Our government has already showed once that they will lie, just look at the toll booths on 400″
=====================
“As for T-SPLOST, I’ll be voting no as I think there is way to much waste in government spending and no end in sight.”
=======================
“but you know how our government likes to skew things.”
====================
Quick question – If some of you are so suspicious of government, then why do you keep voting the same type of representatives into office? Why put a man in the governor’s chair who had to resign from his previous government position under suspicion of corruption? What sense does that make?
Here’s a wake up call for some of you decrying the government’s use of our money, Stop voting for crooks, putting them into office and they’ll stop stealing from you. Simple ain’t it?
==========================
Best Comment:
We have to invest in ourselves, in order to grow and this T-SPLOST is not just handing money over to government for them to waste, it is for a predetermined set of projects to be built (AND MAINTAINED) over the 10 year horizon
Second Best Comment:
The transportation sales tax plan is a REPUBLICAN plan, remember Dems no longer have power in Georgia
DawgDad
September 27th, 2011
9:46 am
I would expect a larger portion of hourly employees tend to be Democrats or Independents. Those people are tied to a clock and cannot adjust to traffic as easily. I don’t see it being any more complicated than that, really.
UGA 1999
September 27th, 2011
9:46 am
Ron….hhaha nice post. Isnt it great? SO much better than be comfortable in your own car.
Ron Burgundy
September 27th, 2011
9:49 am
Marta needs more bums going up and down the cars asking for money. NOTHING makes me happier then dealing with bums who spend their days riding on these cars.
Ron Burgundy
September 27th, 2011
9:56 am
The problem with Marta other then the fact that they go up/down/left/right only is the sistas and souljas on the trains who basically have no respect for anyone around them. I nmean, bunms asking for money, some dude with un washed dreadlocks sitting next to you, loud head phones, belligerent riders, just people with nmo respect for others.
Now compare the Marta train ride with a europe train of any type. People in Europe mind to themselves and are queit thus enabling you to sit and do your own thing.
Lynnie Gal
September 27th, 2011
9:57 am
I think the comment by David Green (second comment) is the best explanation–Republicans like to sit in traffic because they can express their aggression for other human beings anonymously and shielded by tons of steel. Also, tthey’re used to it in the ‘burbs and only come intown for sports events.
KyleKyleGoAway
September 27th, 2011
9:57 am
Timely piece, Kyle. Just this morning the wsj ran an article titled “study shows 95% of respondents don’t believe holocaust happened.” I found one quote from the article particularly noteworthy: “the study included a broad sample consisting of mostly members of the Aryan brotherhood, ku klux kan, new nsdap, unidentified other skinheads and a few normal folk.” the author concluded with: “although surprising, the study is scientifically sound and statistically significant. Accordingly, we cannot but conclude that the holocaust is a hoax, brilliantly and persuasively concocted by the lamestream
UGA 1999
September 27th, 2011
9:59 am
Kyle….and?
KyleKyleGoAway
September 27th, 2011
10:00 am
Sorry, accidentally hit ’submit’. Anyhoo, picking up from where I left off: “… brilliantly concocted by the lame stream media to obfuscate the true and beneficial tenets of fascism. They can fool us once, and then again, and again, but eventually they will shame us we.”
captguitarman
September 27th, 2011
10:02 am
Think of the whiners and complainers that you know. Think about where you work and the obstructionists, and the glass is always half empty, never half full folks, the ones who have a hard time meeting deadlines and all kinds of excuses, and who have the hardest time making it to work for a whole variety of reasons – and and equal amount of reasons for having to leave early. The disaffected, the why me, trouble making, I’m entitled, and the life is so unfair crowd. Those waiting for the boss, the company, or the government (anyone but themselves) to fix all of their problems, remove that dark cloud that constantly hovers over them, and take care of them. You know who they are. These numbers aren’t really a surprise, are they?
That said, the decline of Georgia under the Pubs is also as clear as the nose on your face, and if Georgia/Atlanta does not fix its transportation system, the capital of the new south will become the old capital of the New South. In the 80’s and 90’s Georgia/Atlanta had the new south by the tail, and the constant vibe was that things are getting better and will only continue to get better. But today, states are now poised to put Georgia in their rear view mirrors. The biggest problem is Balkanization — too many cities, counties, and regions who cannot and will not work together for fear of someone else getting a little more than they got. And, it’s a Georgia thing too. Separation from those “from out of state” as Burt Reynolds once put it, and the rationale for not working together for the common good, “they ain’t like us,” is still all too real, and it cuts through all socioeconomic levels.
Halftrack
September 27th, 2011
10:25 am
Since our last ole Governor dismantled the GDOT, there is not as many construction projects going on as they did before. Also there is not any money for routine maintenance by the GDOT. Therefore it must be that Democrats are getting the Construction jobs that are an inconvenience and Republicans are riding on the better roads that have just been improved. When the Legislature convenes in January you will see a lot of griping and carrying on. Has anyone noticed how intersections and medians have high grass that blocks the view of oncoming traffic lately? This may be a clue to the whole answer.
MiltonMan
September 27th, 2011
10:31 am
Kyle, have you thought that most North Fulton residents actually work in North Fulton or telecommute? Most of my conservative friends here are doing that.
Plain wrong
September 27th, 2011
10:36 am
Miltonman – Kyle doesn’t think, he just regurgitates. Therefore, the answer to your question is an emphatic ‘no’.
allen981
September 27th, 2011
10:46 am
Interesting that this post comes on a day when the AJC reports that total ATL traffic is down. I’ve commuted on 285 from i-85 south to i-75 north for the past 16 years, and traffic today is far better than it was in 1995.
No expert predicted a decline in traffic volume at that time, yet here we are. For anyone to say they know what we’ll need in 20 years is ludicrous. Certainly we need to plan, but to undergo a major transformation of our area is cost prohibitive and unnecessary.
The prevailing wisdom is that Atlanta can’t grow if we don’t add rail, grow transit, become more urban. If that wisdom is correct – HOORAY! Let’s leave it just as it is.
If people/business decide to go elsewhere, where does that leave us? With a great, livable city that right now is plenty big enough.
By the way, Atlanta’s tried trains. For 100 years, we were the train capital of the southeast. People commuted from the outskirts, people took trains on regional journeys, people used trolleys in the city…and guess what happened. Market forces and environmental concerns killed it all. People voted with their wallets and actions that ‘transit’ was not viable in Atlanta.
Trains, friends, are outdated technology that holds no positives for our future. This includes light rail, commuter trains, etc. The costs are prohibitive, as demonstrated throughout Europe. (Price a train trip most anywhere vs. a discount plane ticket, and air travel is almost always cheaper. I travel Europe extensively for business, and I either fly or rent a car.)
Let’s maximize our aviation capabilities; aviation remains the most efficient, safest means of travel known to man. (See the subway accident in Singapore today – hundreds injured.)
Let’s utilize alternative fuel technologies – natural gas, electric, hybrids – to power cars that are increasingly effiecient and clean.
Let’s use our money to expand the ability of every one of our citizens to move freely through improved roads, and even a new one or two. I know that sounds crazy – build a road? – but the cost and environmental impact would pale in comparison to new rail lines.
And hey, Captguitarman, why do we have to be the capital of the new south? Why? Where’s the gain?
LtCol Razorback,
September 27th, 2011
11:35 am
What did you expect? The reasons are predictable because:
1. Many Democrats in Atlanta are black
a. Blacks are lower income(due to their lower level of education) and, therefore, can least afford a privately owned vehicle.
b. Blacks are prone to denial that a black President is responsible for the failure of our economy to improve.
Atticus Finch
September 27th, 2011
11:56 am
@LtCol Razorback,
Please explain how our President is responsible for Atlanta’s transportation.
KyleKyleGoAway
September 27th, 2011
12:09 pm
Atticus – I’ll explain on razorbacks behalf: Obama is a Marxist; therefore he is responsible. Pretty simple logic, no?
Mr. Facts
September 27th, 2011
12:11 pm
Let’s look at it logically (wonder who I lost with that statement). The new congestion report for Atlanta says we spend 43 hours in congested traffic a year. For benefit of doubt I’ll give everyone 4 weeks off (48 weeks working) with 5 days for the work week. Crunching the numbers, amounts to 11 minutes a day in congestion. Divide this by two trips (morning and afternoon), six minutes additionally is added onto each drive. I will gladly spend six more minutes in my car listing to satellite radio then riding MARTA. As is typical, proven by the ARC studies, MARTA would add 20 minutes on my morning and afternoon trip (again addition) with very little time savings in the car, i.e., driving to the station. This amounts to 160 hours (not counting when it breaks down) a year wasted on MARTA, being asked for money and exposed to the other nonsense that is prevalent on the system.
KyleKyleGoAway
September 27th, 2011
12:26 pm
O hateful one and his peon, Ivan the terrible – my sincerest apologies; I get my facts and news from the fox street journal and its mutant sister publication, fox news. Are they misdirecting me? I sure hope not given their ‘fair and balanced’ rhetoric.
MacArthur
September 27th, 2011
12:30 pm
The fact of the matter is that Atlanta can’t draw new businesses or corporations to Georgia BECAUSE of the traffic. Keep stirring up party vs. party with these silly aszz surveys if you want to. Nobody wants to come here!!
ignorepublicans
September 27th, 2011
12:32 pm
Republicans tend to have stay-at-home wives while democrats, both male and female, actually hold jobs.
DW
September 27th, 2011
12:49 pm
Where are the jobs, Republicans. After all, you promised.
Sara
September 27th, 2011
1:09 pm
Great blog post!
jrice
September 27th, 2011
1:13 pm
I think conservatives (which are usually Republicans) tend to not be bothered by things as much as liberals. Liberals always want the world to be perfect whereas conservatives just live in the world as it is.
KyleKyleGoAway
September 27th, 2011
1:18 pm
@jrice – in other words, conservatives are content with mediocrity and/or wallowing and languishing in their pathetic and miserable good for nothing me only worlds, while progressives hope and strive and work for a better world? Thats the sound of a hammer hitting a nail squarely on it’s head.
yuzeyurbrane
September 27th, 2011
1:20 pm
Taxes.
jrice
September 27th, 2011
1:50 pm
See our posts show the difference. I stated my thoughts. You stated yours with vitriol.
KyleKyleGoAway
September 27th, 2011
1:53 pm
@juice – that a thought is vitriolic doesn’t mean it can’t therefore be true. The two aren’t mutually exclusive. So, you agree with the premise, not the presentation?
MARTA Rida
September 27th, 2011
1:57 pm
to allen981: Market forces did not kill rail transit. The Streetcar Scandals is what killed rail transit. GM and other corporations bought up the streetcar companies and ran them into the ground to force people to use cars or buses. Also, government subsidesed freeways killed rail transit by enabling exurb communites to drive cars and pay 5 cents a gallon. But us Americans don’t have the forsight to think about the future and the increase in energy costs.
to Ron Burgundy: Those are some of the cleanest trains in the country and during commuting hours everyone does mind their own business. I see men give their seats to women and everyone looks out for each other. We can always tell the suburban people because they won’t ever sit next to anything but an empty seat. Too scared that what the republican leaders have been telling them that only poor poeple and criminals ride mass transit. Enjoy your traffic, sucka!
jrice
September 27th, 2011
2:11 pm
@KyleKyleGoAway I just can’t see why you would put “wallowing and languishing in their pathetic and miserable good for nothing me only worlds” in this post at all.
KyleKyleGoAway
September 27th, 2011
2:29 pm
@jrice – I wrote that because it is true. The truth hurts, but it just might set them free. Speak truth to power, non?
ohmy
September 27th, 2011
2:38 pm
um…if i say yes it means more taxes…right? …its got to be far less comfortable to commute in a hybrid than an 8 passenger suv
JustMe
September 27th, 2011
3:24 pm
Or it could just be that Republicans have higher up positions and therefore can come and go when they please and therefore don’t necessarily have the normal traffic worries, because they aren’t commuting when everyone else is.
JF McNamara
September 27th, 2011
3:57 pm
The sample sizes are too small to be conclusive on the political party spreads. There were 259 Democrats, 179 Republicans, and 187 Independents. The total of 625 is probably large enough to determine that people are inconvenienced by traffic, but 179 is not enough Republicans to make an accurate judgment.
If you took a poll of 625 Republicans only, they would probably come in closer to the averages. Given that the majority of Georgians are Republicans (which are underrepresented). Its more than likely a statistical anomoly based on the number and profile of people polled.
Bradley
September 27th, 2011
4:26 pm
If Republicans don’t think traffic is that bad, then why are they always complaining about how long it takes them to get to work from their fabulous cookie cutter suburban neighborhoods in every other blog but this one? Also, traffic is relative. I know ppl that spend 2 hours commuting daily and they think that’s normal, while I think that’s insane.
Republigested
September 27th, 2011
4:39 pm
It’s simple. Republicans love congested traffic, same as they love their politics. Congested. Translation: nothing moves, nothing gets accomplished.
The Real Fletch
September 27th, 2011
4:55 pm
@Joel – funny as he11.
The Real Fletch
September 27th, 2011
5:01 pm
KyleKyleGoAway – you really are a vile person. I think you substantiate these poll results by your contrarian, childish grindings.
KyleKyleGoAway
September 27th, 2011
5:10 pm
Fletch the impostor – see my comment above at 957am in re substantiation of poll results. Wingnuts’ proffered poll is so flawed it wouldn’t stand even if supported by one hundred tons of steel and concrete. I agree that there is something very vile about contemporary America but it aint me. Look, instead, to the leaders of the current republiturd party for the personification of vile: boehner, cantor, Ryan. With heroes like that, it’s no wonder we are where we are.
Diamonique
September 27th, 2011
10:31 pm
A Republican is usually the boss/owner of the company so he/she is probably the last to leave in the evening, thereby avoiding the worst traffic.
Your average Democrat, if he’s not on unemployment, is a 9 to 5er who’s in the thick of it every day – jostling with the other grunts to get home in time to catch Jerry Springer and Entertainment Tonight.
Paddy O
September 28th, 2011
11:37 am
this is a good quandry question. I suspect the retired portion contributed, but repubs may also have a tendency to have a quality higher education (GA Tech) that they can actually pursue in their hometown without commuting, or own a business in their hometown, again not being affected by the commuter OR, maybe they just live close to their place of employment, and thus alleviate the commute/congestion problem? BUT, this TSPLOST also does quite a few “safety” projects – which should improve the relative safety of our roads.
Paddy O
September 28th, 2011
11:44 am
a lotta morons on this blog, though. more interested in seeing what they typed than contributing to the debate.