This post is a response to a commenter on my earlier post, Public transportation, solution or problem? You can see the original post and the comment in their entirety here: https://gajim.wordpress.com/2010/02/18/public-transportation-solution-or-problem/

Commenter: “This is one of the most ridiculous things I have ever read.”

Response: I felt the same way about Thomas Pynchon’s “Gravity’s Rainbow”. You’ll get over it.

Commenter: ” You say that MARTA is a “drain on Georgia taxpayers.” Are you aware that MARTA is the only large public transit system in North America that does not receive any state funding? This is a completely false and ignorant argument that is used over and over by those opposed to public transportation. MARTA is paid for entirely by ticket income and a 1% sales tax in Fulton and Dekalb counties”

Response:    I am aware that MARTA is funded primarily by a 1% sales tax  levied in Fulton and Dekalb counties. Are you aware that Fulton and Dekalb counties are in the state of Georgia?

Everything a resident of those counties buys costs us 1% more because of the MARTA tax. According to MARTA’s own budget projections that takes about $350,000,000 out of the pockets of Georgia taxpayers. You may believe that a 350 million dollar tax is not a drain on our state’s economy but I respectfully disagree. We have a subjective disagreement and that is okay. Calling my statement “a false and ignorant argument” simply displays your arrogance.

Commenter: “MARTA has already raised fares and reduced service, so the deficit will be reduced.”

Response:  I concede my time to the gentlewoman from MARTA, CEO Beverly Scott, “she would need a one-cent sales tax in the eight metro counties outside the Perimeter, plus 65 percent of an additional penny tax in Fulton and DeKalb just to keep MARTA running as it is”. You can read the entire article in The Beacon here: http://bit.ly/adRoQK 

Is MARTA starting to look like a “drain on Georgia taxpayers” yet?

Enough of this for now. Today is a glorious Saturday morning and I intend to enjoy it to the fullest.