As anti-transit forces try to gather enough signatures for a ballot question that would repeal the 1/2-cent sales tax for transit, local officials have put out a fact sheet to counter arguments against the tax.

It’s an enlightening document that contains a few facts you may not have heard, such as:

– Nearly 2/3 of the sales tax in 2006 paid for buses — far more than for the South Corridor light rail line which transit opponents are arguing against. And according to Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) officials, the portion going for buses is rising.

– What repeal of the transit tax would mean: Cuts in bus service and increases in property taxes to make up for the loss of the sale tax.

– Cost increases are equally common on road construction projects as in projects like the light rail line. For example, the original estimate for a 5.8 mile section of Independence Boulevard was $109.4 million. The current budget is more than double that, at $282 million, and is running $47 million per mile.

Read the full document, (requires free Adobe Reader software, CLICK HERE>