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Residents clash over microtransit at Cobb County hearing; critics point to prior transit-tax vote
Summary
Public comment at the Aug. 11 meeting split sharply: opponents invoked a prior 60%-plus vote against a transit tax and warned of budget risk, while supporters described microtransit as essential mobility for seniors, KSU students and workers.
Several speakers used the public-hearing record to restate broader concerns about transit policy in Cobb County. Opponents such as Christine Rosman and Lance Lamberton said the county was effectively bypassing voter sentiment on transit funding and warned of long-term taxpayer exposure; Rosman told the board that "over 60% of Cobb County citizens said no to that," referring to a prior transit-tax referendum.
Supporters, including transit advisory board member Matt Segal and residents from Kennesaw, said microtransit pilots improve access to jobs, shopping and education and can help seniors retain independence. Commissioners responded by noting they were listening to both sides: Commissioner Sheffield emphasized the role of transit in connecting residents to employment and health care, while others pressed staff for clarity on fares, grant timelines and contingencies should federal or state subsidies lapse.
