Reasons Why You Should Vote for Metro’s Sales Tax

In the comments section on yesterday’s post about the BRU editorial in the Times, a commenter pointed out yesterday that I’ve used a lot of space detailing the arguments why people shouldn’t vote for the proposed sales tax, should it reach the ballot this fall, and precious little space devoting time to why people should vote for it.

Fortunately, Darell Clarke gives some details of the proposal and his opinion why it is a balanced compromise plan at LA Visions.  Specifically, on the issue of bus funding, Clarke points out:

Bus advocates call for lower fares and more service in the face of limited operations funds and rising costs. The solution is a bigger pot, which is where 20% of the sales tax would generate $7,880 million for bus operations over 30 years, a 70% annual increase from existing (Draft LRTP) levels.

And how regressive is a sales tax that doesn’t apply to groceries, rent, transit, utilities, or services?

To read his thoughts on the equity issue being pushed by San Gabriel Valley pols or the lack of a bicycle and pedestrian set-aside, visit LA Visions. 

Photo: Reto Kurmann/Flickr