Public transportation agencies throughout the U.S. will receive more than $170 billion thanks to voters approving 34 of 48 local and statewide public transit measures on the Nov. 8 ballot—69 percent—including those funded by sales and property taxes and bond measures, reported the Center for Transportation Excellence. This brings the approval rating to 71 percent for all measures passed in 2016.
Here’s a recap of a few measures:
Seventy percent of voters in Los Angeles County approved Measure M, which could raise up to $120 billion over 40 years through renewal of an existing half-cent sales tax and addition of another half cent to expand and improve light rail and subway lines. The new tax will be permanent. Sixty-two percent of the $120 billion is specifically targeted to public transit.
“Obviously, this is the outcome we have been hoping for. And now the real work begins, and we’re ready,” said Los Angeles Metro CEO Phillip Washington. “This plan came from the people, for the people, and has now been given the go-ahead by the people. Together we are making history and are showing the nation—even the world—how to be bold and forward thinking as we continue to transform transportation across this great region.”
Seattle’s Sound Transit 3 measure, which received 55 percent of the vote, incorporates a half-cent increase in the sales tax, a 0.25-mill increase in the property tax and a 0.8 percent increase in motor vehicle excise tax over 15 years to support 62 new miles of light rail, additional BRT and an extension of commuter rail. It is expected to raise $54 billion.
"Our region has embraced a generational opportunity to move forward with a transit network to connect millions of people across three counties,” said Sound Transit Board Chair and King County Executive Dow Constantine. “After decades of waiting, we are ready to start building a light rail system that will grow our economy, improve our quality of life and ensure access to jobs, education and all the Central Puget Sound has to offer.”
The Bay Area counties of San Francisco, Alameda and Contra Costa jointly approved a $3.5 billion bond measure (Measure RR) to fund capital improvements for state of good repair for the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) with 70 percent of the vote. The bond will be funded by an increase in homeowners’ property taxes ranging between $35 and $55 a year for the 40-year life of the bond. Both of these measures, as well as Los Angeles, required a two-thirds majority.
BART Board President Tom Radulovich thanked “all the Bay Area voters who doubled down on their commitment to transit and to BART. ... The investments we make say a lot about the future we want to create. By reinvesting in BART, Bay Area voters said yes to a regional future that’s more equitable, sustainable, inclusive, connected and prosperous.”
In Atlanta, 72 percent of voters approved a half-cent, 40-year sales tax supporting expansion of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, including improved local bus service, new streetcar lines and building infill stations. The measure is expected to raise $2.5 billion.
In Marion County (Indianapolis), IN, 59 percent of voters approved an 0.25 percent income tax for transit expansion that, according to IndyGo, could raise $56 million per year to fund improved service and new BRT construction. As a next step, the Indianapolis City-County Council, which must review and vote on the measure, is expected to hear it early in 2017.
“IndyGo has been challenged to meet the growing demand for transportation options in Marion County,” said Mike Terry, president and chief executive officer. “We are encouraged by the public’s show of support for transit.”
Voters in New Jersey approved a constitutional amendment requiring that all revenue raised by the state’s current fuel taxes be used only by transportation system upgrades.
Several public transit initiatives fell short on Nov. 8, including a half-cent sales tax in San Diego County, CA, that would have generated an estimated $18.2 billion over 40 years for several San Diego Association of Governments projects including public transit; in Sacramento County, CA, an additional half-cent sales tax that would have generated an additional $120 million annually for 30 years, of which 30 percent would have gone to transit; and a measure in four Detroit area counties for a 1.2-mill property tax that would have raised $2.9 billion over 20 years to fund BRT and commuter rail between Detroit and Ann Arbor at the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan.
In Virginia Beach, VA, an advisory measure regarding the spending of local funds to extend Hampton Roads Transit’s (HRT) Tide light rail was voted down with 57 percent opposed.
“This action in no way lessens the urgent need for better public transportation in Hampton Roads and, more specifically, the city of Virginia Beach,” said HRT President and Chief Executive Officer William Harrell. “It is our hope that Virginia Beach will consider expanding local bus services to support transit demand that would have been met by expanded light rail service.”
"Americans from every background agree that more public transportation is great for their community. And with a passage rate of 71 percent for the year, they show they are more than willing to pay for it,” said APTA Chair Doran J. Barnes.
“This remarkable passage rate sends a strong message to President-elect Donald Trump and to Congress that Americans support moving forward with funding from all levels of government that connects infrastructure investment with job opportunities and our country’s economic vitality,” said APTA Acting President and CEO Richard White.
Find APTA’s news release here and a complete list of measures at www.cfte.org |