Voters of Provo and Orem will decide Tuesday whether to approve or reject a one-quarter cent sales tax increase to help fund a mass transit (bus) system in the two cities. Considerable pro-and-con discussion on the issue has been apparent. Now the arguments are pretty well in – and it is hoped the Orem-Provo citizenry will go to the polls in numbers so the decision truly will be representative of the wishes of the majority, In the weeks since the two cities, after presentations by Timpanogos Transit Authority, called the special election, the Herald has publicized each development. We also published a series of”informational articles, and our columns have been open to every letter to the editor received by deadline on the subject. Obviously there are arguments on both sides. l.n our view, there is need for the system and the public’s interest in this fast growing area would be served by a “yes” vote. Mass transit isn’t a new issue in Utah. The State Legislature established the Utah Public Transit District Act in 1969. Three counties, functioning under the Utah Transit Authority, now have county-wide bus systems – Salt Lake, Davis, and Weber. In each of the three, voter approval of a quarter cent sales tax increase was necessary. The public transgortation issue first came before e Utah County electorate in November 1974 when a proposed county-wide transit district was rejected at the polls. Last Nov. 8, Provo and Orem residents voted to organize a mass transit district in the two cities. The vote was 6,049 to 3,790 in Provo, and 4,074 to 2,632 in Orem – a substantial majority. At the same time Provo voters rejected an increase in the sales tax. The funding question did not appear on the ballot in Orem. Officials of Timpanogos Transit Authority – formed as a result of the election mandate of last November – believe Provo voters said no on the sales tax option because they didn’t want to issue a “blank check” for a system which had not, at that time, been designed. The Herald is keenly aware of the need to “hold the line” on taxes. Repeatedly we have appealed to public officials to exercise every economy and be mindful of the heavy tax burden. Yet, in reference to Tuesday’s election, we don’t feel the bus proposal is the issue on which an anti-tax stand should be made. A quarter cent sales tax hike amounts to but 25 cents on a $100 purchase, which isn’t excessive if we need the service, A TTA official said in a public meeting last week it would cost families between $5 and $25 a year. While, mass transit is for everyone, it. is especially important for the elderly, the handicapped, and folks without a car. One argument advanced by opponents is that the quarter cent sales tax (limited to that figure by Utah statute) would be imposed on many people who wouldn’t be using the service. True, but nothing unusual, Many senior citizens, for example, have no children in school – but a great many of them pay heavily in school taxes. Available federal funds will be vital in setting up the system. But transit officials have said the TTA could operate without federal subsidy – using only fares and sales tax – after the initial capital items are purchased. We commend the board for its conservative planning. As we stated in a previous editorial, we hope that you the Provo – Orem citizens will have made every effort to get informed so that, regardless of the stance you take Tuesday, you can go to the polls and vote with purpose and conviction.