GMCC Media Room
Regional Transit Authority Moving Forward
February 01, 2010
By KEVIN LITTLE
GMCC Director of Public Policy
klittle@greatermadisonchamber.com
This column was originally featured in the February 2010 GMCC Business Beat.
Last November, the Dane County Board approved creation of a Dane County Regional Transit Authority (RTA).
The GMCC testified in support of the RTA as a way to manage a comprehensive, regional transportation system. The GMCC has no position on any particular mode of transit.
While many shared our perspective, there were plenty of opponents that spoke as well. Some opposed the RTA because it would require a sales tax increase. Others feared creation of an RTA would guarantee the creation of a commuter rail system.
There was no testimony opposing regional transportation or to the benefits of cooperating regionally to provide transit services. In fact, many opponents of the RTA said they favored regional solutions to transit. We emphasized this common goal in our testimony. If we can agree that our current transportation infrastructure is unsustainable and unable to accommodate anticipated growth; if we can agree that cooperating as a region is the most efficient and equitable way to provide transit services; then an RTA is an appropriate mechanism to move forward.
The RTA is bound by state statutes that specify what it can and can’t do. For example, the RTA can levy up to a one-half percent sales tax to fund transit services, but can never exceed that amount, nor can funds generated be used for different purposes or transferred to different government entities.
Determining what transit modes should be included will require further public discussion. The RTA is expected to have its first meeting early this year. At that time the RTA will examine different transit scenarios to determine what makes sense for the region. If a proposal has consensus, it will then be subject to voter approval via referendum. While not bound to do so by law, local elected officials are publicly committed to a referendum and abiding by the outcome.
Public skepticism about new transit services is understandable. In order for a referendum to be successful, voters must be fully informed about how monies collected will be used and must be convinced the use is worth the investment. Our support for an improved transit system will also hinge on the information available. In addition to transit specifics, the cost and economic impact must be clear. This will require an independent economic analysis on the recommended transit scenarios before proceeding with a public referendum. We believe this is a critical component to winning support for a transit plan.
The soonest feasible option for a referendum is Fall 2010. It’s uncertain whether a plan can be developed by then and even more uncertain whether there can be an informed electorate in that time. Regardless of when the referendum occurs, the RTA must be transparent about the proposal, the costs and economic impact.
The GMCC will continue to be engaged on this issue and inform members of its progress.
By KEVIN LITTLE
GMCC Director of Public Policy
klittle@greatermadisonchamber.com
This column was originally featured in the February 2010 GMCC Business Beat.
Last November, the Dane County Board approved creation of a Dane County Regional Transit Authority (RTA).
The GMCC testified in support of the RTA as a way to manage a comprehensive, regional transportation system. The GMCC has no position on any particular mode of transit.
While many shared our perspective, there were plenty of opponents that spoke as well. Some opposed the RTA because it would require a sales tax increase. Others feared creation of an RTA would guarantee the creation of a commuter rail system.
There was no testimony opposing regional transportation or to the benefits of cooperating regionally to provide transit services. In fact, many opponents of the RTA said they favored regional solutions to transit. We emphasized this common goal in our testimony. If we can agree that our current transportation infrastructure is unsustainable and unable to accommodate anticipated growth; if we can agree that cooperating as a region is the most efficient and equitable way to provide transit services; then an RTA is an appropriate mechanism to move forward.
The RTA is bound by state statutes that specify what it can and can’t do. For example, the RTA can levy up to a one-half percent sales tax to fund transit services, but can never exceed that amount, nor can funds generated be used for different purposes or transferred to different government entities.
Determining what transit modes should be included will require further public discussion. The RTA is expected to have its first meeting early this year. At that time the RTA will examine different transit scenarios to determine what makes sense for the region. If a proposal has consensus, it will then be subject to voter approval via referendum. While not bound to do so by law, local elected officials are publicly committed to a referendum and abiding by the outcome.
Public skepticism about new transit services is understandable. In order for a referendum to be successful, voters must be fully informed about how monies collected will be used and must be convinced the use is worth the investment. Our support for an improved transit system will also hinge on the information available. In addition to transit specifics, the cost and economic impact must be clear. This will require an independent economic analysis on the recommended transit scenarios before proceeding with a public referendum. We believe this is a critical component to winning support for a transit plan.
The soonest feasible option for a referendum is Fall 2010. It’s uncertain whether a plan can be developed by then and even more uncertain whether there can be an informed electorate in that time. Regardless of when the referendum occurs, the RTA must be transparent about the proposal, the costs and economic impact.
The GMCC will continue to be engaged on this issue and inform members of its progress.