EDITOR’S NOTE: Below is a selection of the responses from readers of MDJOnline.com in reaction to recent MDJ stories.

Around Town column: Prospects for Cobb rail transit likely still on track …

CobbGuy wrote — There is nothing “rapid” about MARTA or any rail system designed for Cobb. It is not even good “mass” transit. If you want a rail system to work, look at New York. It goes where you need to go and then STOPS where you need to get off. MARTA and what we have designed has maybe one tenth of the number of stops it needs. The walk is too far. So we drive. Build more STATIONS and you will have a system that might succeed, not the stage coach we have now.

RedBoard wrote — The lack of thought in some of these posts is truly amazing. I’m all for a transit system, but it must work operationally and economically as a transit system that is superior to a private vehicle. It MUST NOT be built as an economic redevelopment tool, or one to enrich the “right” landowners. “High speed rapid rail” simply doesn’t exist as a commuting option anywhere in this country and the phrase makes no sense: High speed means above 150 mph, which doesn’t happen in commuter applications. Furthermore, the TSPLOST tram line our politicians have been talking about will run at an average speed of 18 mph. That’s not the future, nor will it change the economic health of Cobb. Tell me where there is “rapid rail” commuter service in the U.S.? Perhaps the NE corridor qualifies, but that’s about it.

NotSoPC wrote — It is amazing how a small minority of special interests have been empowered to dictate the future of Cobb County. The very narrowly focused, very expensive, tax-fueled agenda of the Cobb Chamber and the Cumberland CID continues to bubble to the top. Rest assured although they have been silent as of late, the robber barons of Cobb County are chuckling away in their smoke-filled boardrooms as they coerce and manipulate our spineless Commission Chairman and his bootlicking government bureaucrats. The distressing reality is that the voters have lost any kind of influence over key elected officials in this county. They have become the willing, obedient lap dogs of the special interests that have arrogantly appointed themselves as the all knowing gurus of our future.

Rail Plan wrote — Can they build a rail line out to Acworth? I’m tired of driving to downtown every morning.

Cobb countier wrote — Cobb needs a rail system to the city! It is the future, yet it should have been done years ago. It is the key to fixing congestion. It would be fantastic to be able to take a train downtown.

Train Tax Deciders wrote — The Train Tax now depends entirely on the Alternatives Analysis. Mr. Editor, what does the AA contract say? Does Croy Engineering decide? Does Cobb DOT decide? Does the Board of Commissioners decide? Does Fulton County decide? If we vote this unrestricted $689 Million who REALLY decides how it will be spent? The TSPLOST Train Tax is presently for an unknown track, with unknown stations, and mostly in Fulton County. What person or persons will spend our money?

What a boondoggle wrote — Every citizen of Cobb County needs to look at their credit card statements, bank debit statements, and cash expenditures. Add up your purchases of EVERYTHING ... groceries, utilities, cell phones, services (perhaps the installation of something in your home), rental fees (yes, they are taxed by the state and submitted by the landlord from your rent), and add 1 percent to that total. For every $1,000 you spend you will be taxed an additional $10. You already pay a 4 percent sales tax to the State of Georgia, another 1 percent sales tax to the county, and another 1 percent to the School Board. So for every $1,000 you must spend you are now paying an additional $60 to the state and county. Do you want to pay $70 for every $1,000? This doesn’t even include the 12.9 cents per gallon you pay on every gallon of gas in this State. Nor does it include the income tax and property taxes you pay. Another 1 percent to fund transportation for others? Another 1 percent to pursue an unwanted train system?

RJSNH wrote — high speed rapid rail is the future and if it has been delayed, stalled, or killed, for more highways and super bus routes, then we will continue to travel the same road we are ... congestion. Those metro areas with rapid rail will simply continue to leave us further and further behind. Clearly the big money has been behind the politics of roads when it comes to transportation. It keeps bread on their table and commuters stuck in traffic.

Anonymous wrote — “THE FIX IS STILL IN. The turkey is still in the oven. The train is still on track….” Not if nobody votes for the TSPLOST it ain’t.