Nearly 74% favor using tax dollars for increased investment in transportation
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n increased majority of Americans favor expanding public transportation according to a new survey by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). The survey, “Americans’ Support for Public Transportation,” conducted by the Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI), shows that nearly 74% of respondents agreed to the use of their tax dollars to create, expand and improve public transportation in their community. This number increased from an already solid 69% of Americans in support in the 2012 survey.
Transit expands opportunity Eighty percent of those surveyed agreed with the statement that public transportation investment can help create jobs and pave the way to a stronger economy. However, public transportation scores its strongest support when discussing access to opportunities. When asked about the affordable transportation options for people, nearly 88% of respondents agreed that public transit expands opportunities and provides access to new jobs and careers as well as to medical care, schools, and colleges.
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July/August 2013 | IN TRANSIT
Growing majority want Congress to spend more on transit The survey respondents also sent a strong message to Congress about their growing support for increased investment. Sixty-six percent of respondents believe Congress should increase spending on public transportation. Compared to last year’s survey, that registers as a five percent increase in support from a year ago.
Consistent results The survey results were very consistent with the growing support on the local level. In 2012, 49 out of 62 public transit ballot initiatives were passed which represents a nearly 80% passage rate. The research is also consistent with the growth in demand for public transportation. Americans took 10.5 billion trips on public transportation in 2012 – the second highest annual ridership since 1957. The entire report can be found at: http://bit.ly/13eLxBC