On Tuesday, November 4, voters in Colorado, Michigan, North Carolina, New Mexico, and Washington supported measures that boost funding for public transit improvements, expansions, operations, and supporting infrastructure.

According to a release, 13 out of 16 ballot measures passed, delivering billions to public transit, with an 81% win rate. Beyond just funding, in six Colorado jurisdictions, voters took a major step by approving the creation of a Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) to meet the needs of a growing population.

In 2025, 16 out of 19 ballot measures passed, resulting in an 84% win rate and nearly $11.8 billion in public transit funding.

"Voters have sent a powerful message: public transportation is essential infrastructure that America needs and deserves," said Paul P. Skoutelas, APTA’s president and CEO. "These ballot victories represent more than just transit funding — they're investments in our national economy. Public transportation creates good-paying jobs, connects millions of Americans to work, and serves as the backbone of economic activity in communities nationwide.”

“Our communities turned out in strong numbers to support transit initiatives that make local life more equitable and resilient,” said Jessica Grennan, executive director of APTA’s Center for Transportation Excellence. “Even in an off-year election, voters still turn out for public transit, and we continue to see broad support from urban to rural areas and across the political spectrum. Last night’s victories join the rest of this year’s wins and reflect a decade-long trend: Americans vote for yes for public transportation.”

From West to East, voters approved transit improvements in their communities. Some highlights include:

• Voters in Charlotte, NC, said ‘yes’ to investing in a future transit system that serves commuters’ needs.

• Ellensburg, WA, residents supported Prop 1 to maintain all services, deliver planned service upgrades, support ridership growth, and more.

• Kalamazoo, MI, voters said ‘yes’ to a measure renewing and increasing the mileage to keep buses, Metro Connect, and Metro Link running, while sustaining service levels and expanding access.

Concerns for Voter Fatigue and Engagement

With a high approval rate for public transit measures, the public has signaled clear support for public transit. This is especially important to note in off-year elections, where seeing consistent engagement proves that voters recognize how directly these decisions affect their daily lives.

“Transit measures continue to succeed because voters see the direct benefits in their communities,” Grennan said. “When people vote for public transportation, they’re voting for access to jobs, schools, healthcare, and opportunity. Over the past decade, we’ve seen that support remains strong in cities, suburbs, and rural areas alike.

“The overwhelming support we've seen in 2025, and over the past several years, proves that Americans understand that public transportation isn't just about getting from point A to point B — it's about building stronger, more prosperous communities for generations to come," Skoutelas said.

However, there is always a balance to strike. According to Grennan, it takes time, planning, and “good data” to understand what voters value and design proposals that meet those needs, especially since communities can’t go back to the ballot every year.

“While voter fatigue is something we have to be mindful of, what we’re seeing right now is sustained, even renewed, enthusiasm for well-planned, community-driven investments that make transit work better for everyone,” Grennan said.

Results for all 2025 measures are available on the Center for Transportation Excellence website.