High gas prices: Cancel road expansion projects?

[netdragon]

Now gas prices are low again (lower than even before). With lower gas prices, are you for an increased GA gas tax to fund some mass transit projects?

[atl2phx]

Originally Posted by netdragon

Now gas prices are low again (lower than even before). With lower gas prices, are you for an increased GA gas tax to fund some mass transit projects?

absofrigginlutely! we should look beyond the disfunctional driving patterns of the u.s. (addicted to artificially cheap gas), increase gas taxes, and begin using such revenues to fund alternative transit. the model has worked in much of the EU, where, coincidently most of GM and ford's most fuel efficient models are engineered, built and marketed.

i understand driving preferences in atlanta, and i understand that most don't live close enough to transit access/egress points for it to be a valid alternative, but IMHO, that's all the more reason to begin funding more development of an integrated system that brings options closer to more residents.

at the national level, we need a plan for a real network of high speed bullet trains, i.e. 400+ MPH, not the amtrack high speed model of 150 MPH.

[ATLaffinity]

Originally Posted by Andrea

Americans, especially Atlantans, need gas. The vast majority of our jobs and other destinations are nowhere near public transportation. The average Atlanta resident with a job has to drive 66 miles every day. So we sure don't need higher gas prices in the midst of this recession/depression. Many folks are barely getting by as it is.

we absolutely do need higher gas taxes. no way people commuting to these jobs somehow get pushed into bankruptcy over a few hundred dollars.

why didn't these people go bankrupt when gas was $3 ??? b/c it's not that big of a deal and they manage their budgets and trade in for better cars.

it's not like poor people are driving SUVs 50 miles each way to work.

[Curious Atlantan]

IMO, we need the higher gas tax among many other measures that will help the transition to a sustainable way of life. Let's face it, this wasteful lifestyle has gone long enough, and we are currently in a big crisis because of it. Let's take advantage of this crisis that makes everybody pay attention and hopefully finally understand the stakes.
In this particular case, the tax from gas can be used in reconfiguring the society: if some exurbs will have to be abandoned, so be it. The poorest people who will be most affected can be helped through an income tax relief or some other measures.