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 2000
Ballot Issues Reports
See Other Ballot Issues
Transit and Traffic Congestion Relief. 0.2% Sales and Use Tax
Funding
Summary
If approved by voters, Proposition No. 1 would authorize King County to
impose an additional sales and use tax of not more than two-tenths of one
percent. The proposed tax would be used for purposes of funding the operation, maintenance,
and capital needs of King County Metro public transportation. These purposes
include but are not limited to bus service, accessible services, vanpool
programs, passenger facilities, park and ride facilities, and other congestion
relief projects to preserve and enhance Metro Transit services.
Background
Metro Transit is funded by a 0.6% sales tax which generates approximately
$240 million per year, fares and advertising revenue of approximately $90
million, and federal capital grants which are typically $30-90 million. MVET
funds would have provided $110 million this year, but are no longer available
due to passage of I-695 in 1999. This is a loss of 20% of overall revenue, and
30% of operating revenue.
In response to I-695, the legislature provided modest one-time assistance
monies, and authorized counties to ask voters for up to 0.3% of additional sales
tax. The King County Council has placed a 0.2% sales tax increase for transit on
the November ballot.
Consequences of failure
Metro has already cut staff positions 3% (saving $12 million per year), cut
service 4% (135,000 hours), and is proposing a 25 cent fare increase (net $12
million). Additionally, Metro has been unable to redirect 80,000 hours of
service from routes taken over by Sound Transit (anticipated in the RTA Plan
approved by the voters). Metro expects to cut service a further 17%, close one
of seven operating bases, and drop the regional smart card and other capital
programs, including most park and ride lot expansions.
Arguments For and Against
For
- More people are riding transit than ever, and lost MVET funds must be
replaced.
- Transit provides an effective peak hour alternative to building more
highways (43% of peak trips to Seattle CBD, 16% to Bellevue CBD are in
busses).
- Transit provides mobility for the young, old, and disadvantaged.
- Transit provides an alternative to the automobile, reduces congestion, and
promotes walking.
- Reduction in Metro service would exacerbate traffic congestion.
- Improved transit service is assumed in suburban plans to reduce gridlock
and sprawl.
- There already are internal, county council, and state audits of Metro
Transit; and there is legislative oversight from Olympia.
- The Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation will recommend improved
performance standards and monitoring for all transportation agencies.
Against
- The sales tax is already 8.6%, with 0.6% for Metro and 0.4 % for Sound
Transit.
- A fairer source of transit funding is needed (road user fee, mileage tax,
or sales tax on gasoline).
- The sales tax is regressive.
- There is no sunset for the proposed tax.
- If I-745 were to pass, 90% of these new funds would go to road building.
- This would remove the need for the State to come up with a better funding
package
- Busses account for only 3-5% of trips in King County.
- Performance audits of all transit and highway agencies, and better
coordination of transportation investments and services is needed before any
increase in taxes.
- Cut waste and busses running empty before increasing taxes.
Recommendation
The Municipal League of King County recommends a “yes” vote on King
County Proposition No. 1 (County 0.2% Sales Tax for Transit) to ensure that
Harborview will be able to serve the community when most needed.
Justification
Metro Transit has one of the highest rider-ships per capita in the nation
(100 million boardings per year for a population of 1.6 million), and demand is
increasing. This is the county’s principal alternative to the automobile and
hope for containing congestion. While use of the sales tax is regressive, voters
should take this opportunity to continue Metro Transit’s growth, not curtail
it.
For more information
External Links
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