Over 70% of Public Transportation Ballot Measures Pass

[bananas]

http://www.expertclick.com/NewsReleaseWire/default.cfm?Action=ReleaseDetail&ID=23851

Over 70% of Public Transportation Ballot Measures Pass

Washington, DC November 6 2008

For Immediate Release

Contact:
Virginia Miller
202-496-4816
[e-mail]

Over 70% of Public Transportation Ballot Measures Pass

At least $75 billion approved for public transportation on state and local ballot initiatives

At a rate of 72 percent, voters across the country in 16 states approved 23 measures out of 32 state and local public transit-related ballot initiatives, authorizing expenditures approximating $75 billion.

“It is significant to note that in a time of economic uncertainty, more than 70 percent of transit-related ballot measures passed as people voted to raise public revenue in order to improve public transportation,” said American Public Transportation Association President William W. Millar. “Americans understand that public transportation has many benefits. Taking public transportation is the quickest way to beat high gas prices and save money. It is also one of the most effective actions a person can take to reduce carbon emissions and fight climate change.”

A statewide California ballot initiative that passed included $9.95 billion in bonds to finance high speed rail in California. In Los Angeles, a $40 billion measure passed that will finance new and existing bus and rail lines, along with other transportation projects. In the Seattle area, people voted to expand commuter rail and express bus service and to create a 55 mile light rail system by approving $17.8 billion, and in Honolulu, $3.7 billion was approved for a commuter rail system. The Western Reserve Transit Authority in Youngstown, OH was saved from shutting down by a positive vote by Mahoning County residents. Additionally, the results of one ballot initiative in Santa Clara County, CA is still pending.

According to the Center for Transportation Excellence (CFTE), 12 measures raising $40 million annually for local public transit systems were approved earlier this year. Adding yesterday’s election totals to this earlier amount means that at least $75.4 billion for public transportation was approved by voters in 2008.

For a complete list of 2008 transportation state and local ballot initiatives, go to the CFTE website at www.cfte.org

[ikojo]

1. St Louis County MO is of course the exception

There was a half cent sales tax increase on the ballot for St Louis County to fund the local public transit agency. It failed. A similar measure previously passed in the city of St Louis.

So, since the local public transit agency, metro st louis, says they don't have enough money they will raise fares and decrease service in the spring. That will really help the transit dependent get to work.

I swear Missouri is so backwards in many ways.