Voters Approved 100 Percent of Pro-Transit Ballot Measures This Year

In elections across the country, reports Vince DiMiceli, voters approved 100 percent of transit-related ballot measures this year, signaling strong support for public transit. The 11 initiatives range from a measure to expand service in Lucas County, Ohio to a $515-million bond measure in Gilbert, Arizona and a property tax to finance transit for the next decade in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In November elections alone, public transportation gained over $100 million from ballot measures.

According to APTA President and CEO Paul Skoutelas, "The 100-percent approval rate for year-to-date ballot measures certainly underscores that, even in uncertain times, communities of all sizes see public transportation and its numerous benefits as vital to the social and economic recovery of our nation."

While progressive candidates showed disappointing results at the polls this November, this widespread support of pro-transit measures, writes DiMiceli,  shows that "[v]oters across the country continued to recognize the importance of keeping public buses and trains moving — and financed" – even as COVID-19 continues to hurt ridership.