DEPARTMENT: Transportation & Capital Improvements
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Mike Frisbie
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Briefing on the Advanced Transportation District (ATD)
SUMMARY:
This briefing will provide information on the creation, partners and the purpose of the Advanced Transportation District (ATD), the allocation of funds and expenditures, and potential alternative use options that could provide additional funding to VIA Metropolitan Transit.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
In 1977, VIA Metropolitan Transit was created and funded through a one-half cent sales tax approved by voters via the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) tax under provisions of the Texas civil statues. Changes in the Texas Transportation Code in 1999 and 2003 permitted VIA to create an Advanced Transportation District (ATD), in partnership with the City of San Antonio, Bexar County and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), and specify a portion of sales tax to fund the ATD.
In November 2004, the ATD was approved by San Antonio voters and established a one-quarter cent increase in the sales tax within the City limits. This was, and remains, the first ATD in the State of Texas. The purpose of the ATD, as approved by the voters, was to reduce traffic congestion and increase mobility within San Antonio through the following five objectives:
* Improve traffic flow at busy intersections.
* Add and improve sidewalks to enhance connectivity between neighborhood and major roadways.
* Minimize highway congestion by expediting state projects.
* Utilize technology to provide faster bus trips and extend bus service hours.
* Offer more transit options, passenger facilities and other rider conveniences.
The one-quarter cent tax increase, collected by VIA, is divided and allocated in the following manner, as approved by the voters.
* VIA (50%) - One-half of the tax proceeds is to be used for projects including advanced trans...
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