Update from Down Ballot: Where Voters Approved Transit Measures This November
While the presidential contest captured most of the attention during the November 5 general election in the United States, voters in various communities faced decisions on 33 transit ballot measures. Of these measures, 24 resulted in positive results, signaling strong support for transit initiatives. The November 5 transit ballot results combined with previously passed measure this year means voters have approved more than $25 billion for transit projects in 2024.
“This year Americans showed they fully support funding for public transit, approving almost 87% of initiatives across the country. Now, our communities will have the support they need to invest in their neighborhoods, leaving infrastructure that will be here for our kids and grandkids,” Executive Director of the American Public Transportation Association’s Center for Transportation Excellence Jessica Grennan said in a post-election webinar. “The success of these measures shows that voters are committed to improving mobility, increasing access to essential services, and ensuring all residents have the infrastructure needed to thrive, and get where they need to go.”
Several ballot initiatives passed in counties and cities where Transdev clients operate services; results are compiled below.
Maricopa County, Arizona voters approved Prop 479, which extends a countywide half-cent sales tax that helps fund the maintenance and operation of transit in the county. The Maricopa Association of Governments plans to use a portion of the revenue to support 4.4 miles of new streetcar, 11.9 miles of new light rail, and 28.25 miles of bus rapid transit. The plan will nearly double the region’s existing funding for bus operations, improves and expands existing commuter bus service, ensures the bus fleet and supporting infrastructure is in a state of good repair, and continues funding to support ADA service.
Napa, California, voters passed Measure U, which will generate $25 million annually for transportation improvements from July 2025 – July 2055. The measure includes funding for low-income public transit subsidies.
Denver, Colorado, Ballot Issue 7A passed, which will allow Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) to keep all its sales tax revenues even when revenue is above caps set in the Colorado Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR). Without Issue 7A’s passage, RTD would have been expected to refund taxpayers for the projected $50 to $60 million in annual revenue above the TABOR cap. The measure was placed on the ballot throughout RTD’s service area, which includes portions of eight counties.
In Washington state, voters rejected Initiative 2117, which is a win for the state’s transit operators. Initiative 2117 would have repealed the state’s Climate Commitment Act of 2021, which includes the Cap and Invest Program that funds public transportation grant programs. The Cap and Invest Program is preserved with the failure of Initiative 2117 and is expected to provide $3 billion for transit in the state over the next 16 years.
Transdev is committed to working with its clients in leveraging these wins to advance shared goals of enhancing transit services and delivering on the promise of better mobility for all.
