Rep. Mike Jacobs: "Privatize MARTA buses"

[DiderotsGhost]

The problem with privatizing transit is that the road system itself is heavily subsidized. It's not realistic for transit to compete without subsidies, with a road system that has heavy subsidies. Either we have to make the road system reflect market realities (which would mean more smart tolls); or the state has to provide both subsidized roads and subsidized transit.

It makes no sense to say that mass transit needs to compete in a "free market", but that the public road system should be heavily subsidized by the government. Obviously, transit companies are going to have a difficult time surviving in a system where they compete with a heavily-subsidized road system.

[AcidSnake]

Preach it, Pastor!

Originally Posted by DiderotsGhost

The problem with privatizing transit is that the road system itself is heavily subsidized. It's not realistic for transit to compete without subsidies, with a road system that has heavy subsidies. Either we have to make the road system reflect market realities (which would mean more smart tolls); or the state has to provide both subsidized roads and subsidized transit.

It makes no sense to say that mass transit needs to compete in a "free market", but that the public road system should be heavily subsidized by the government. Obviously, transit companies are going to have a difficult time surviving in a system where they compete with a heavily-subsidized road system.

[InvaderBryce]

I think a 90-10 mix of public & private roads would work for Atlanta. We have a couple of those here in the DC area such as the Dulles Greenway.

Deregulation, privatization and free market economics are good but there comes a point in time in which those things can and will backfire on you if you're not careful and I think that is what many people seem to have a hard problem understanding when they call for getting rid of various regulations and privatizing entitlements; of course, over-regulation and government intervention in certain sectors of the economy can be just as bad.

[JoeP]

Yes, because we have to respond to a reasonable and workable suggestion by throwing out hyperbole

No, absolutely not. It's the reasonable solution since those against funding transit don't want to pay for something they don't use, or can't run in a manner that works financially, it's very reasonable to suggest that all transportation be subject to the same thought process and solutions.

[MattCW]

Originally Posted by rcsteiner

Airlines pay fees every time they land an aircraft, they can pay gate fees for docking at a gate, they pay fees for parking aircraft at an airport overnight if they have to, etc.

It isn't like they get access for free. At some airports like Narita (Tokyo), those fees are pretty steep.

People who ride transit also do not get access for free, they pay a fare. But how much do these (and the government) fees cover the costs of the airport and air traffic control?

[SEAandATL]

Originally Posted by MattCW

People who ride transit also do not get access for free, they pay a fare. But how much do these (and the government) fees cover the costs of the airport and air traffic control?

I remember the Narita Airport used to have a fee of roughly $20 USD, but no more. I think the fees are added to the airfare. That airport is privatized as well, since 2004. I think that would be a good idea for Hartsield-Jackson (HJAA Coorporation has a nice ring to it).

Regarding rail and roads, what should be privatized in Atlanta:

- All MARTA trains and buses
- CCT and GCT
- Beltline
- Proposed commuter rails
- GA 400
- HOT lanes, or build special lanes that run parallel to or about the interstates.
- Expressways that do not exist yet but should be built (parallel Connector, Northern Arc or Outer Perimeter, etc.)

[MattCW]

Originally Posted by SEAandATL

I remember the Narita Airport used to have a fee of roughly $20 USD, but no more. I think the fees are added to the airfare. That airport is privatized as well, since 2004. I think that would be a good idea for Hartsield-Jackson (HJAA Coorporation has a nice ring to it).

Regarding rail and roads, what should be privatized in Atlanta:

- All MARTA trains and buses
- CCT and GCT
- Beltline
- Proposed commuter rails
- GA 400
- HOT lanes, or build special lanes that run parallel to or about the interstates.
- Expressways that do not exist yet but should be built (parallel Connector, Northern Arc or Outer Perimeter, etc.)

So you support paying considerably more money as an end-user just to use these? Because that's what will happen if they're fully given over to a private corporation. Or, if they're just contracted out to a private operator (like some commuter rail services in this country), then there'd be even more draw from the taxes because no company will enter into a no-profit contract to run these.

[SEAandATL]

Originally Posted by MattCW

So you support paying considerably more money as an end-user just to use these? Because that's what will happen if they're fully given over to a private corporation. Or, if they're just contracted out to a private operator (like some commuter rail services in this country), then there'd be even more draw from the taxes because no company will enter into a no-profit contract to run these.

I'd be willing to pay around $5 to take the train from Marietta to Atlanta. I was paying around that in the Tokyo area, but they are more used to it since they've been doing so for generations. You get what you pay for though. In return you get better quality service including cleanliness and efficiency/timeliness of the trains.

[MattCW]

What about the rest of your list? Do you support paying huge tolls and outrageous local bus fares? $5 for Marietta into Atlanta would actually be a bit cheap for commuter rail fare, I'd estimate a one-way one-time ticket would be about $7-$12 based on other commuter rail agencies.

[SEAandATL]

Originally Posted by MattCW

What about the rest of your list? Do you support paying huge tolls and outrageous local bus fares? $5 for Marietta into Atlanta would actually be a bit cheap for commuter rail fare, I'd estimate a one-way one-time ticket would be about $7-$12 based on other commuter rail agencies.

I would, but the problem is because of metro Atlanta's low COL, it will be a shock to them since they aren't used to it. It's not like "Japanifornia".