73 Percent of public transportation ballot measures pass

Written by jrood

At a rate of 73 percent, voters across the country in 14 states approved 22 measures out of 30 state and local public transportation-related ballot initiatives, authorizing nearly $500 million over the next five years.

"People understand the
importance of having a good public transportation system in their communities,"
said American Public Transportation Association President William Millar. "That’s
why, despite the impact of the economic downturn, Americans overwhelmingly
voted to improve or initiate public transportation, even though it means
additional local or state taxes."

However, not all public
transportation ballot initiatives involved raising new funds. Prop 22, a
statewide California constitutional amendment that passed by 64 percent,
prohibits the state from delaying distribution of local tax revenues for
transportation and other services. This measure protects more than $1.8 billion
in state and local public transit funding.

Commenting on Prop 22,
Millar said, "At a time when many public transportation systems are facing
financial challenges, making sure that funds for public transportation are
protected and not used for other purposes is very important."

Another noteworthy
referendum was passed yesterday by the voters of Clayton County, Ga. Clayton
County residents lost all public transportation services earlier this year when
the county commission voted to shutter the public transit system. Showing
strong support for the value of public transportation, Clayton County voters
passed an advisory measure by 70 percent to join with the Metropolitan Atlanta
Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) and to levy a one-cent sales tax to pay for the
new service.

Residents of Hawaii’s
Oahu voted by 63 percent to create an independent public transportation
authority and to move forward with the proposed rail project on the island.

"Throughout the United
States, from coast to coast and in the state of Hawaii, voters showed that they
have their priorities straight when it comes to public transportation," said
Millar.

According to the Center
for Transportation Excellence (CFTE), 21 measures for local public
transportation systems were approved earlier this year. Adding the Nov. 2
election totals to this earlier amount means that this year, 43 out of 56
public transportation ballot initiatives were approved at a rate of 77 percent
for a total of more than $1 billion.

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