METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

CFTE: 19 transportation measures in 12 states on the ballot

If all measures are approved, more than $100 billion in new local funding would be invested in transportation.

November 6, 2012
2 min to read


There are 19 transportation measures on ballots in 12 states Tuesday, according to the Center for Transportation Excellence, which will monitor the outcomes of each ballot measure.

If all measures are approved, more than $100 billion in new local funding would be invested in transportation. In the very first year of implementation, $3.4 billion would be available for vital projects like restoring bus service, expanding rail lines and accelerating transit projects in communities from Los Angeles to Chapel Hill, N.C.

Ad Loading...

A historic number of transportation measures have been placed on ballots in 2012. Heading into Election Day, voters have approved 85% of the 39 measures that have already gone before them this year. Since 2000, CFTE has monitored the continuing trend of states and communities asking voters to approve new transportation investments. The long-term success rate for these measures stands at a strong 70%, a rate double that of ballot measures generally.

Twelve of Tuesday’s transportation measures deal directly with finance, the most prominent of which is Measure J in Los Angeles County. Voters will be asked to extend the current half-cent sales tax that was just approved in 2008 for an additional 30 years. This will allow the community to complete seven transit projects in 13 years instead of 27.

Meanwhile, Orange County, N.C. seeks to follow the 2011 success of neighboring Durham County with a new half-cent sales tax to support countywide bus and rail investment, with voters in other regions being asked to support new bonds and property levies, and in a unique case.

More Paratransit

Don't Let Legacy Software Be Your Legacy with AlphaRoute's John Hanlon
Sponsoredby Alex RomanAugust 3, 2026

Driving Smarter Paratransit

John Hanlon shares how AlphaRoute is leveraging AI-powered technology to help paratransit providers optimize operations, support frontline staff, and enhance the rider experience.

Read More →
Driving Change: Award Winners Redefine Industry Standards
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsJuly 29, 2026

METRO Magazine Announces 2026 Innovative Solutions Awards Winners

Projects Recognized for Advancing Mobility Through Technology, Accessibility, Workforce Innovation, and Operational Excellence

Read More →
A photo of an Amtrak train with a logo
Managementby Alex RomanJuly 24, 2026

Biz Briefs: STV teams with Amtrak, Motorcoach Operators Boost Fleet and Land Contracts, and More

From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A rider validating a tap payment on a Masabi validator.
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsJuly 17, 2026

Biz Briefs: Masabi Teams with St. Louis Metro and More

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Transdev, Hitachi, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.

Read More →
MTA Advances Accessibility Improvements in Brooklyn
Paratransitby StaffJune 17, 2026

New York MTA Leverages Zoning Program to Advance Station Accessibility

Accessibility enhancements at Nevins St Station will be financed through a development agreement tied to the MTA's Zoning for Accessibility initiative.

Read More →
A maintenance person with a tablet.
ManagementJune 5, 2026

Reinventing Fleet Maintenance with Real-time Visibility and AI

Transit leaders need to know what needs fixing, where to look, who is responsible, when work is completed, and what it costs without having to chase information across disconnected systems.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SamTrans planning for ballot measure
Managementby StaffJune 4, 2026

SamTrans Sets Priorities for Potential Connect Bay Area Revenue

The board-approved framework allocates future funding to maintaining service, rider improvements, equity initiatives, and infrastructure repairs.

Read More →
Managementby StaffJune 1, 2026

Chicago's NITA Act Moves Into Next Phase as Service Improvements Begin

Rider-focused improvements will begin rolling out across the system immediately as CTA, Metra, and Pace increase service this summer in the six-county region.

Read More →
thumbnail for 2026 METRO Buyer’s Guide & Directory
SponsoredMay 27, 2026

2026 METRO Buyer’s Guide & Directory

Searching for the right vehicles, technology, equipment, or services for your public transit or motorcoach operation? This industry guide brings together manufacturers and suppliers from across the transportation market — all in one place. Download it to connect with the companies that help agencies and operators improve mobility, enhance operations, and move their organizations forward.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Emily DeVito and her children
Managementby Alex RomanMay 26, 2026

Rays the Mark Foundation to Honor CDTA’s Emily DeVito at October Fundraiser

Event at Chicago-area Ravisloe Country Club will support DeVito, a transit employee and mother of twins battling kidney failure and awaiting a transplant.

Read More →