USA Today reports that voters approved debt big-time to alleviate traffic congestion, although in many cases it was to start or grow light rail transit.
“Public transportation won almost everywhere,” says Stephanie Vance, program manager for the Center for Transportation Excellence, a non-profit research group in Washington, D.C. “It was astonishing how much was passed.”
At least 23 of 31 ballot measures to launch or expand bus and rail lines in 11 states were approved, she says. The price tag: more than $40 billion.
Voters approved 19 of 24 other tax or bond measures for roads and bridges only, according to the American Road & Transportation Builders Association.
California and Missouri voters overwhelmingly approved measures to stop their states from dipping into highway funds to pay for projects unrelated to transportation ? something budget-strapped states have done recently.
In North Carolina, politicians don’t care what voters think about this stuff.
