Nearly 90% of transit ballot initiatives pass in 2017

- Washington DC, US
Fast train with yellow doors

Nearly 90% of public transportation initiatives were approved by voters from coast to coast across the United States this year. In the November 7th election, seven of eight initiatives passed with one result still to be determined. Throughout the country this year, voters in 17 states and communities of all sizes voted for increased investment in public transportation, bringing the success rate to nearly 90% (87.5%).

“Americans voted with their wallets by taxing themselves to support increased funding for public transportation,” said APTA Acting President and CEO Richard A. White. “Voters clearly see the value as public transit connects customers to businesses, and employees to jobs. The voters have spoken loud and clear through the ballot box that funding public transit provides their community a great return on investment.”

The results of ballot initiatives in 2017 is a part of a long track record of success. In both up and down economic years, voters have continually shown a strong interest in providing resources to create public transportation options in their communities.

Wins from the elections yesterday include:

  • Denver, CO voters passed a transportation bond ($100 million for transit) with nearly 73% of the vote.
  • Athens-Clarke County, GA voters passed a new sales tax for transportation with nearly 74% of the vote.
  • Lawrence, KS voters passed a sales tax for operating a transit system with almost 70% of the vote.
  • Maine, statewide, voters approved a transportation bond with 72% of the vote.
  • Grand Rapids, MI voters passed a 12-year renewal of their millage with 61% of the vote.
  • Mahoning County, OH voters renewed the sales tax for their transit system with nearly 60% approving.
  • Philadelphia, PA voters passed a capital projects bond that includes public transit.
  • The one outstanding initiative is in Adams County, CO.

About The American Public Transportation Association (APTA)APTA logo

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) is a nonprofit international association of 1,500 public and private sector organizations, engaged in the areas of bus, paratransit, light rail, commuter rail, subways, waterborne services, and intercity and high-speed passenger rail. This includes: transit systems; planning, design, construction, and finance firms; product and service providers; academic institutions; transit associations and state departments of transportation. APTA is the only association in North America that represents all modes of public transportation. APTA members serve the public interest by providing safe, efficient and economical transit services and products.

  • Join our community for FREE today!

  • Create and share your own profile

  • Join the discussions

  • Publish your own items

  • Subscription to our Weekly eNewsletter

your benefits?

Get connected with Mass Transit Professionals Worldwide

Create your account

Go To Registration

FREE membership benefits

  • * create and share your own profile
  • * join the discussions
  • * publish your own items on Mass Transit Networkmanage news, jobs, tenders, companies, events, showcases, educations, associations and literature.
  • * subscribe to our eNewsletter
Add news yourself

Comments

There are no comments yet for this item

Join the discussion

You can only add a comment when you are logged in. Click here to login