Durham’s Half Cent Transit Tax Paves Way for Raleigh
Durham County is leading the way for the future of Wake County transportation, by including a public transit funding referendum on their November 8th ballot. Passage of this ½ cent sales tax referendum would not only be a great benefit to Durham County, but would also provide significant momentum for a similar future transit referendum in Wake – hopefully next year. The Triangle will soon grow by well over one million people, and our current roads will be beyond capacity. Transit is clearly needed.
Raleigh’s metro region is projected to be the nation’s fastest growing within the coming years. With Raleigh’s recent ratings as the best city to live, we should take the steps necessary to insure that it remains at the top of this list. The sales tax referendum would build on this success by funding a portion of a future commuter rail line from Durham to Wake County, improvement and expansion of Durham’s bus system, and investment for a light rail system between Durham and Chapel Hill. Without the support of a local sales tax, these public transit expansions are not feasible.
Raleigh citizens recently approved a transportation bond by 67% of the vote. While this will help local transit efforts, we still have a long way to go in expanding bus service and building commuter and light rail in the rest of Wake County. If Durham voters approve a transit funding referendum, they will set the stage for Raleigh and Wake County for 2012. If you are interested in volunteering for the Durham effort, please contact Bo Glenn at boglenn@nc.rr.com. For more information visit www.dotransit.org.
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WakeUP , Other posts by Logan Mintz.
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Steven W
11/01 03:30 PM
Great article, Logan! And kudos to all the conservative business organizations in Durham helping to build support for the half-cent sales tax referendum there. In this tumultuous economy, access to jobs and other opportunities is more important now than ever.
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WILLNCSU
11/02 01:58 PM
Sales tax is already too high here and it hurts lower income families disproportionately. Then again, people with less income will use mass transit more so I guess it evens out.
Bonds are better.
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Steven W
11/02 02:11 PM
I have the same concerns. However, the problem with relying on transportation bonds is that the federal government will only contribute the significant portion needed for light rail if we can demonstrate an ongoing, local commitment such as the half-cent sales tax. And as Will pointed out, the improved local bus service will disproportionately benefit low-income folks who pay a higher share of sales tax.
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