The Toledo Area Transit Authority (TARTA) says it received a strong message of support from Lucas County, Ohio, voters as they approved Issue 3, the renewal of a 10-year, $1 million property tax set to begin in 2021.
Final, unofficial results from the Lucas County Board of Elections show the issue passed with 66.46 percent of the vote.
“The ballot results demonstrate our community knows the importance of public transit and TARTA especially during a crisis,” said Board President Daniel Woodcock. “On behalf of the board, employees and riders of our system, thank you to the Lucas County community for its support of Issue 3. We will serve northwest Ohio through COVID and beyond.”
The renewal in funding allows the continuance of critical public transit service and access including fixed-route service, TARPS paratransit, Call-A-Ride and express service. TARTA says it is also currently exploring a more sustainable and equitable funding structure to address growing mobility needs of northwest Ohio residents, businesses and communities. Increased local funding would allow TARTA to restore Sunday service, increase service frequency and hours for second and third shift workers, and introduce new technology features to enhance the customer experience.
