Johns Creek mayor questions need for new transit tax

An expansion of rail in North Fulton County would require a higher population density than desired for the area, Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker says. AJC FILE

An expansion of rail in North Fulton County would require a higher population density than desired for the area, Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker says. AJC FILE

Responding to Fulton County commissioners and mayors warming to the idea of expanded transit, Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker released a statement Jan. 31 questioning plans for rail or comparable bus service and a 40-year sales tax to pay for it.

Acknowledging the need to explore all options to tackle traffic congestion, Bodker said, “The only sensible choice is one that does not involve the investment in light or heavy rail. Those choices would require a higher density in population that is not desired for Johns Creek and a number of other cities in North Fulton.”

The region shouldn’t commit to long-term investment in heavy rail or its rubber-tire counterparts, bus rapid transit and arterial rapid transit, “without a more detailed understanding of its benefits and impact to traffic relief,” Bodker said.

Earlier in the week, Fulton commissioners and mayors agreed on a plan to bring to North Fulton bus rapid transit on Ga. 400 and Holcomb Bridge Road, and arterial rapid transit on Roswell Road, Old Milton Parkway and Ga. 141. They would be funded in part by a half-penny sales tax that would raise an estimated $4.9 billion over 40 years.

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