Proposed sales tax could help fund public transit in Northern Virginia

With the new year also comes some key funding challenges, one of the biggest being how to fund public transit services in Northern Virginia.

Metro is going to need some more funding, and now in Northern Virginia, there’s talk about a sales tax going to the transit agency to help the trains and buses run.

“One of the things we’re looking at is a potential increase in the sales tax,” said Walter Alcorn with the Fairfax county board of supervisors during a recent panel discussion on transportation funding.

He says this isn’t always a politically popular proposal, but every time you buy something, a larger tax could generate revenue for trains and buses.

There could be some exceptions, however.

“In Virginia, over the years we have exempted groceries and other food items that basically do make it less regressive,” Alcorn

News4 was on the Metro platforms, where there’s support for the idea and public transit in general.

“It’s a good thing for our taxes to go for as opposed to something frivolous,” said one Metro rider.

But others are a bit more skeptical.

“You know, I mean, would it help lessen the cost? Like would Metro become free then? Then no, I just don’t think that’s beneficial,” said another Metro rider.

Leaders in Northern Virginia say they need about $400 million more per year to help fund metro, the Virginia Railway Express and bus services.

The sales tax idea is expected to be heavily discussed when the Virginia general assembly meets for the first time for its 2026 session on Jan. 14.

from Local – NBC4 Washington https://ift.tt/kSANmzr