Voters around the country on Nov. 7 approved four out of five state and local measures supporting public transportation on the ballot, continuing a strong record of success. The results on election day add to five other public transit measures already passed by voters this year, bringing the 2023 total to nine out of 10 wins for public transit.
According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), similar to other off-year elections, 2023 saw a small number of measures on the ballot but a continued high level of approval from voters eager to express their support for more transit. More than 85 percent of ballot measures to fund public transit have passed during the past five years.
“Once again, voters across the country have unequivocally expressed their desire for more investment in public transportation for their communities,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “These ballot initiative wins are a testament to the importance of local, state and federal partnerships in upgrading our public transit and passenger rail systems, which will enhance mobility options, spur economic growth, promote environmental sustainability and address climate change on a national scale. We’re looking forward to the 2024 elections, where many communities will take advantage of voter enthusiasm in a presidential election year to place measures for public transit on the ballot. We urge the House of Representatives to similarly honor the commitment of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and fully fund public transportation investments in the FY 2024 THUD appropriations bill."
The measures winning victory on election day 2023 included:
- Kansas City, Mo: The measure renewed a 3/8-cent city sales tax for operation and improvement of the public bus system during a period of 10 years. The funding will exclusively be used for the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority’s (KCATA) bus system and would avoid a 30 percent cut to the KCATA budget and reduced routes within the city.
- Fort Collins, Colo: The measure collects funding through a 1/2-cent sales tax, allocating 25 percent of the revenue specifically to the city’s transit system through 2050. The funding supports various public transit programs and services, including infrastructure improvements, equipment purchases and the expansion and enhancement of transit services.
- Boulder County, Colo: The measure collects funding by extending the existing property tax mill levy of 1.85 miles for 10 years to facilitate broader access to transportation. Funds will cover the costs of providing a regional transportation district Eco Pass to all district residents while also authorizing an Eco Pass program for non-resident employees of employers in the district without increasing district taxes for residents.
- Perrysburg, Ohio: Voters renewed a 0.8-mile public transportation levy, estimated to generate $539,000 annually for five years, with a $22 yearly cost for the owner of a $100,000 home. The levy aims to sustain Perrysburg Transit — a decade-old service entering its third contract and operated by MTM Transit – ensuring continued accessible and reliable transportation services for Perrysburg residents.
APTA’s Center for Transportation Excellence tracks all of the measures at its website and through its X (formerly known as Twitter) account.
