FasTracks Tax Increase

[jan ward]

RTD Board of Directors voted 4/7/09 to pursue a new financial plan for FasTracks that would ask voters to approve a doubling of the current 0.4 percent FasTracks sales tax to get the entire system built by 2017.
RTD currently projects a 2.2 billion shortfall.

For more information on FasTracks go to RTD's website: http://new.rtd-denver.com

[Chris]

I think this is a very interesting dilemma and may be based primarily around gas prices. When gas prices were nearing $4 a gallon I think this would have been a landslide in favor of increasing taxes in order to increase the availability public transportation. But people have a tendency to look at the situation only as it is right now. And right now, gas prices are back to a reasonable level. It may be more difficult to get this initiative to pass because of this even though gas prices WILL continue to rise and get back to this level. I think we need to plan ahead now and attempt to create the infrastructure to allow this area to be successful in the future.

What are other peoples thoughts on this issue?

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) lists these benefits of public transportation:

The rebirth of public transportation is a critical part of America's future. Transit ridership is increasing dramatically -- primarily because federal and state investments in transit have made it possible.

The public clearly values public transit: in the last five years, transit use has risen 21 percent. In 2000, Americans used public transportation 9.4 billion times, representing the highest transit ridership in 40 years.(1) 81 percent of people polled link public
transportation to improved quality of life, believing that increased public investment in public transportation strengthens the economy, creates jobs, reduces traffic congestion and air pollution, and saves energy. (2)

For both transit riders and the business community, the economic benefits of transit are manifold:

1. Transit access is essential for the nation's economic health and prosperity.

2. Transit helps maintain the vitality of our major cities' central business districts.

3. Transit connects workers to jobs in suburban and rural areas.

4. Transit relieves traffic congestion and improves business productivity.

5. Transit stimulates economic development around stations.

6. Transit reduces energy consumption and achieves clean air standards.