A new survey finds growing public support for increased federal spending on public transportation, even if that means increased taxes.
"Sixty-eight percent of U.S. residents want more federal spending on public transportation systems, according to a polled released on Monday by a Washington, D.C.-based transit advocacy group," reports Keith Laing. The Mineta Transportation Institute conducted the survey for the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).
APTA President Michael Melaniphy used the findings of the poll to advocate for Congress to approve "a robust long-term funding plan for the next surface transportation bill" before the current extension deadline of May 31, 2015.
A few more findings from the survey, according to Laing's coverage:
- 74 percent of U.S. residents "support the use of tax dollars for creating, expanding, and improving public transportation options in their communities."
- 88 percent of their poll's respondents "agreed that public transit expands opportunities and provides access to new jobs and careers as well as to medical care, schools, and colleges."
FULL STORY: Poll: 68 percent want more transit spending
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