Communities mull leaving TARTA - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

Communities mull leaving TARTA

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TOLEDO, Ohio -

A big show of support Tuesday for TARTA, but is it enough to make sure two communities stay in it?

Election day could mean the end of TARTA in two places.  Spencer and Sylvania townships might be backing away from TARTA come election day.  Both have ballot items opting out of TARTA. 

On Tuesday, Lucas County commissioners urged Spencer township residents to stay in.  They say the biggest issue, there's no backup plan.  Although some say there are backup plans.

"I already have something in place so it's there to go, It's just up to them to agree to put it on the ballot as a smaller levy which is 1/3 the price of TARTA," said Sylvania township trustee Kevin Haddad.   

Haddad says he's ready if his residents want out.  No matter what happens, Just about everyone says TARTA needs to change.  13abc asked Lucas county commissioner Pete Gerken if there is a will to change.

"I think there is a will now to do that.  Anytime an organization is threatened they better be willing to change, they should be," said Gerken.

"I think a better plan is that they get rid of the big busses or use them during the prime time and have parking zones," said Haddad. 

TARTA general manager Jim Gee says programs like "Call-A-Ride" have been expanded.  But funding is a big concern.  Several Ohio communities fund transportation through sales tax.  TARTA uses property tax.  Sales tax means more people would pay it, but will that change ever happen?

"It would take every member community to agree to place it on the ballot and we're just simply not there yet," said Gee.

 

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