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A MARTA train passes over the mural at the corner of Dekalb Ave. and Arizona Ave. on Thursday, April 17, 2014. File Photo by Jonathan Phillips

DeKalb County residents say transportation is their biggest concern and they’re willing to pay more in taxes to expand public transit.

Those are the key findings from the Atlanta Regional Commission’s 2018 Metro Atlanta Speaks survey.

“In DeKalb, 30 percent of respondents rated transportation as the biggest problem facing the region,” ARC reports. “Meanwhile, 39 percent said they frequently lack the means of transportation to get where they need to go.”

ARC reports that 55 percent of respondents said expanding public transit is the best long-term solution, compared with 17 percent who favored improving roads and highways. Only 16 percent said the solution is building communities where people can live in proximity to where they work.

But the biggest finding shows residents are willing to pony up extra money for more transit.

“Well over half of DeKalb respondents – 59 percent – said they are willing to pay higher taxes to fund expanded regional transit,” ARC reports.

The survey also revealed:

• In a new question this year, 88 percent of DeKalb respondents said they pay too much for housing, with location and lack of affordable housing being the top reasons why.

• 67 percent are satisfied with arts and cultural opportunities in their community.

• 30 percent of residents said they would not be able to cover a $400 financial emergency or could do so only by selling something or borrowing money.

• 31 percent said living conditions in the region will be better in three to four years, with 40 percent believing they will stay about the same.

• 81 percent say they believe people in the region are willing to help their neighbors.

      Source: ARC

The survey found similar support for transit around the metro Atlanta region.

To see the full report, click here.

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