WAVE Seeks Tax Increase on NHC Families to Expand Routes

WAVE Transit is pushing a tax increase to pay for expanded bus routes to area beaches. A previous pitch by WAVE had beach towns paying to supplement the bus service, but the town leaders didn’t buy in. This go round WAVE has changed tactics proposing increasing vehicle taxes on New Hanover County families hoping beach leaders approve.

Here’s an idea, why not have those riding the newly proposed beach routes actually pay the cost for providing the service? If someone were to takes a bus to the beach, it’d be for pleasure or to save money on a parking spot. Why should the citizens of New Hanover County have to pay for that? If this is such a needed service, riders should be willing to pay the cost.

On the other hand, the free market has already provided cheap transportation for those not wanting to fight for parking spots at the beach. It’s called a Taxi. They’ll even pick you up right at your front door with no waiting at 100 plus degree bus stops on hot summer days.

Some claim bus service will bring extra revenue to the beaches. Oh, really? If someone can’t afford cab fare for a ride to the beach, why does anyone think that same person will have extra cash for dining and shopping.

On line public comments showed strong opposition to the idea. Opponents point out problems with everything from reports showing declining WAVE ridership to nearly empty buses driving around town.

Bus rides to the beach are a luxury, not a necessity. For any elected official, or bureaucrat at WAVE, to even hint at a tax increase for such a luxury at this time is hard to believe. It shows just how out of touch they are with the people they are suppose to represent. Maybe now is a good time to take a closer look at WAVE as they lobby to become an ever growing tax burden on the cItizens of New Hanover County.

Any tax increase would have to come before the New Hanover County Commissioners for approval. Be sure to take time tell your elected official what you think before it’s to late. You can contact your New Hanover County Commissioners here.