Study Documents Dramatic Voter Support For Transit Ballot Measures

This report looks at a new trend in transportation financing, as communities in 33 different states have approved more than $70 billion in new transportation investment between 2000 and 2005.

1 minute read

October 18, 2007, 9:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


"The Center for Transportation Excellence analyzed transportation ballot measures from 2000 - 2005. This report documents key trends in these elections and the implications for transportation finance. From 2000 - 2005, voters in 33 states approved ballot measures totaling more than $70 billion. Transportation measures have an amazing 70% approval rate with voters."

"The number of transportation ballot measures has steadily increased since 2000, and these measures average a success rate of approximately 70 percent. The Center for Transportation Excellence has reviewed and analyzed transportation ballot measures over the period 2000–2005. This report outlines key findings regarding the electoral trends associated with ballot measure campaigns and the structure and substance of these measures."

"Since 2000, few issues have proved to be as consistent a winner at the ballot box in recent years as ballot measures related to transportation, particularly measures increasing investment in public transportation. Successful measures have come from every part of the nation. The past two election cycles have seen notable victories on transportation measures in states as diverse as California and South Carolina, Alaska, and Massachusetts."

Thanks to Jon Cecil

Wednesday, October 17, 2007 in Center For Transportation Excellence

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

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Redlining map of Oakland and Berkeley.

Rethinking Redlining

For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

May 15, 2025 - Alan Mallach

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.

May 14, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Aerial view of Albuquerque, New Mexico at sunset.

New State Study Suggests Homelessness Far Undercounted in New Mexico

An analysis of hospital visit records provided a more accurate count than the annual point-in-time count used by most agencies.

5 hours ago - Source NM

Close-up on white bike helmet lying on pavement with blurred red bike on its side in background abd black car visible behind it.

Michigan Bills Would Stiffen Penalties for Deadly Crashes

Proposed state legislation would close a ‘legal gap’ that lets drivers who kill get away with few repercussions.

6 hours ago - Wood TV 8

Muni bus on red painted bus-only lane in downtown San Francisco, California.

Report: Bus Ridership Back to 86 Percent of Pre-Covid Levels

Transit ridership around the country was up by 85 percent in all modes in 2024.

7 hours ago - Mass Transit