San Antonio Approves Transit Referendum
Wednesday, November 3, 2004
For Immediate Release
On November 2, 2004, the voters in San Antonio approved the formation of the Advanced Transportation District, or ATD. The ATD will be funded by a quarter-cent sales tax, which is expected to raise approximately $34 million each year.
Voters approved the ATD referendum with 58 per cent of the vote in favor. This marks a significant shift from public sentiment in 2000 when voters turned down VIA’s light rail proposal with a resounding 70 per cent against the measure. VIA responded with the ATD proposal, a comprehensive transportation improvement package that includes public transportation and roadways but excludes light rail.
“The passage of the ATD is evidence that the community wants its transportation infrastructure improved,” said John M. Milam, the president and CEO of VIA. “The voters have chosen to entrust us with scarce and sacred tax dollars, and we will honor that trust by working with our transportation partners to effectively and efficiently implement all the components of the ATD.”
Under the provisions of the ATD, VIA will receive half of the proceeds from the quarter-cent tax to pay for improvements and expansions to public transportation. The City of San Antonio and the Texas Department of Transportation will split the remainder for road and highway projects as well as related transportation infrastructure.