Public transit leaders came together to discuss ballot measures across the country.The press conference was held at the APTA 2016 Annual Meeting held in Los Angeles.
Transit advocates believe the plan is the best way to reduce traffic congestion and connect the Triangle’s focal points, including N.C. State University, Research Triangle Park, Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill.
Federal officials, which were set to award the project $250 million this month, are concerned that the Honolulu City Council has yet to take a final vote on extending the excise tax for five years to help pay for the system.
State Department of Taxation officials have pointed to a lag in processing tax returns as a key reason for the swings. HART officials, meanwhile, said they still don’t fully understand what’s causing the swings.
Last year, amid criticism over extensive executive travel, the transit agency began requiring employees to gain approval from the full UTA Board in a public meeting before any international trips.
Fifteen of the 16 cities in Salt Lake County have passed resolutions that support placing a vote on this year’s ballot according to the Salt Lake Tribune.
The bill would generate about $1.8 billion in additional rail funding from Oahu’s 0.5% general excise tax surcharge by allowing it to expire in 2027 instead of 2022.
Set for vote as soon as August, the proposed plan includes up to 117 miles of new, high-capacity transit, such as light rail, bus rapid transit or streetcars. About $2.4 billion would help maintain major city streets while adding new bicycle lanes and street lights.
Survey also found that nearly 74% of Americans support the use of tax dollars for creating, expanding, and improving public transportation options in their communities.
Union representatives urged local leaders to take another look at switching to sales-tax funding, which would be “more equitable and pay-as-you-go” compared to property taxes, whose revenue has slumped during the last five years as area real-estate values tumbled.
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