Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

Opponents say Measure J, which would extend an existing transit tax from 2039 to 2069, providing money to speed completion of at least six rail projects by 2024, would significantly raise fares, cut bus lines or both due to the cost of operating so many new lines ahead of schedule.

Passage of Measure B1 by a two-thirds majority would make Alameda the first county in Northern California to increase its transportation sales tax from a half-cent.

School officials said the project could not be built without a tax credit from the state. The Urban Transit Hub tax program was designed to spur development near urban train stations and has been on hold because it was nearing its funding cap.

Looking to voters to decide whether more of a current 1% sales tax should go toward transit or continue diverting part of it for road projects. The agency could use the full tax for projects such as new bus shelters and light rail lines.

RTD Board Chair Lee Kemp said that while economic conditions are improving in the Denver metro area, the timing is not right for a 2012 ballot initiative. The agency is still looking for alternative funding sources for the program, including grants, public-private partnerships and unsolicited proposals.

Would include increased bus services, improvements for existing bus stops, a rail station, and light rail plans between the university and Durham. It would be partially funded by a half-cent sales tax.

A transit planning committee endorsed a bus and rail plan to be financed in part by a half-cent sales tax increase in Durham and Orange counties. However, voters already face separate proposals for a quarter-cent increase in their sales tax.