Nearly 90 percent 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 percent (87.5 percent).
"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, Colorado voters passed a transportation bond ($100 million for transit) with nearly 73 percent of the vote.
- Athens-Clarke County, Georgia voters passed a new sales tax for transportation with nearly 74 percent of the vote.
- Lawrence, Kansas voters passed a sales tax for operating a transit system with almost 70 percent of the vote.
- Maine, statewide, voters approved a transportation bond with 72 percent of the vote.
- Grand Rapids, Michigan voters passed a 12-year renewal of their millage with 61 percent of the vote.
- Mahoning County, Ohio voters renewed the sales tax for their transit system with nearly 60 percent approving.
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania voters passed a capital projects bond that includes public transit.
- The one outstanding initiative is in Adams County, Colorado.
