Voices Blogs Beacon Backroom RCGA endorses sales-tax increase for Metro on April 6 ballot | RCGA endorses sales-tax increase for Metro on April 6 ballot |
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| By Jo Mannies, Beacon Political Reporter | |
| Posted 12:17 pm Fri., 02.26.10 | |
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The half-cent sales tax proposal would raise money for Metro, the regional transit authority that operates MetroLink, MetroBus, and the Call-A-Ride program. After county voters rejected a similar tax increase measure in November 2008, Metro made dramatic trims in service. The St. Louis County rejection had broad financial implications because city voters did approve the sales-tax increase, but the city portion goes into effect only if county voters approve the increase as well. Public Insight NetworkHelp inform our coverage by becoming a source in our Public Insight Network. The St. Louis Beacon, in partnership with KETC/Channel 9, is using this journalism tool to help solicit knowledge and insight from our readers.
We invite you to tell us: What is Metro worth to you?? Click on the question to respond.
To learn more about the Public Insight Network, please click here. In a statement, the RCGA said its support "is based on the fact that a strong transit system is vital to the economic growth, sustainability and competitiveness of the St. Louis region. The RCGA has a long-standing policy of increasing support for Metro, and is a member of the Greater St. Louis Transit Alliance to improve and expand transit throughout the region." The association points out that Metro's ridership had increased by 18 percent over the five years prior to the cuts. And until those cuts, it adds, "97 percent of all jobs in St. Louis city and county could be reached by riding Metro transit." RCGA's support likely signals that more corporate money will follow to help pay for the pro-Prop A campaign. An "informational" TV ad campaign already has been underway, in which major regional civic leaders praise public transit and emphasize the need for it. Area colleges and universities already have weighed in on the need for Metro, noting that students make up about 10 percent of the agency's bus passengers and 7 percent of those who take Metrolink.
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The Regional Chamber and Growth Association's Board of Directors announced today that it has approved a | < Newer post | Older post > |
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