The simplest reform to MARTA is one that THE STATE GOVERNMENT must perform itself: either remove the 50% revenue requirement, or begin funding it themselves. MARTA is required by state law to spend only 50% of its revenue on operations and maintenance and 50% on capital projects. While I don't disagree with this, I do think that the state should make up for any budget shortfalls. It currently receives no funding from the state, all funding is via a 1% sales tax in Dekalb and Fulton counties. But the failure of this SPLOST is the final nail in my coffin, once I graduate, I'm leaving Atlanta, I've had it!
Agree Matt. It's the hamstrings they put on them. I know MARTA has issues elsewhere. I think there's a heavy distrust (see Toll, GA 400) still. GDOT is certainly better than it's been. Plus, I think there's a "SPLOST" hangover. Take a look at the back of a sales tax return; there's tons of them.
Are you working with I think her Twitter handle is CCTGirl? She was heavily involved in promoting it; did a great job. So much wrong with the way the T-SPLOST law/ballot initiative was set up. Whether it was the district sizes or the cornucopia of projects without definition.....