Election Day 2016, demonstrated that Americans realized other funding streams are needed by approving 22 ballot initiatives that will provide $203 billion in funding extensions and new revenue for state and local transportation projects.
Houston Metro has provided free public transit during general elections since 1992. Ridership during voting periods, however, generally increases by a mere 1%
The initiatives include Pinellas County, Fla.’s “Greenlight Pinellas” plan, which would increase bus service by 65% and build a 24-mile light rail line from downtown St. Petersburg to downtown Clearwater.
Proposition 1 would add one-tenth of a cent to the sales tax and set an annual car-tab fee of $60 to maintain King County Metro’s service at current levels. Students who commute to University of Washington and other area schools will be particularly hard-hit if the measure is rejected.
John Cranley calls the streetcar a bad investment and wants to cancel the project, while Roxanne Qualls supports the project, saying it will spark redevelopment and add jobs, as similar projects have done in other cities.
Even though the agency’s board of directors only voted to seek offers from consultants to continue developing the concept, some board members expressed concerns about moving forward on an effort that was shot down in last year's election.
Voters rejected a sales tax increase of 0.1 percentage point in C-Tran's service district to pay for light rail. The board will discuss what to do next at a retreat meeting in January.
Analysis reaffirms the importance of consensus among the business, elected and environmental communities, and the accompanying financial support. The updated study validated the difficulty of passing an initiative without well-funded, effective use of multimedia and experienced campaign consultants.
We in the industry, now more than ever before, need to help make the case that there is a federal role in public transportation, and it needs to be strengthened.
Peter Pantuso, CTIS, was also re-elected to serve another one-year term as president/CEO.
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