Transit Catastrophe After Toledo Funding Change Misses the Ballot

A ballot initiative intended to solve the Toledo Area Transportation Authority's budget deficit didn't appear before voters in November, and now less bus service will cost more to ride.

1 minute read

December 8, 2018, 7:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Ohio

Steve Lagreca / Shutterstock

The Toledo Area Transportation Authority will cut weekend and holiday bus service after the New Year, reports David Patch.

In addition to cutting service, the governing board for the Toledo Area Transportation Authority "also started formal proceedings for fare and tax increases to boost the agency’s revenue," according to Patch.

TARTA made the choices to cover a $3 million-plus budget deficit. TARTA leaders had hoped to get a proposal to change the agency's funding mechanism from a property tax to a sales tax in the November election, but "the sales tax failed — for a third time in eight years — to clear a statutory process," according to Patch.

The article includes a lot more on the politics of transit and transit funding in Toledo, as well as the expected impact of the service and fare changes.

Thursday, December 6, 2018 in The Toledo Blade

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

Large crowd on street in San Francisco, California during Oktoberfest festival.

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns

In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

June 2, 2025 - Robbie Silver

"Stage 4" soundstage wall seen through ornate metal gate at Paramount Studios lot in Los Angeles, California.

Demise of Entertainment Industry Mirrors Demise of Housing in LA

Making movies has a lot in common with developing real estate: producers = developers; screenwriters = architects; directors = general contractors. The similarities are more than trivial. Both industries are now hurting in L.A.

June 12 - California Planning & Development Report

Two young women roller skating in a park on a sunny day.

How Public Spaces Exclude Teen Girls

Adolescent girls face unique challenges and concerns when navigating public spaces. We can design cities with their needs in mind.

June 12 - Next City

Ohio State Senate building nwith modern downtown Columbus skyscrapers in background.

Proposed Ohio Budget Preserves Housing Trust Fund

The Senate-approved budget also creates two new programs aimed at encouraging housing construction.

June 12 - Ohio Capital Journal