{"id":24859,"date":"2016-09-30T23:30:21","date_gmt":"2016-09-30T23:30:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wordpress-367309-1145710.cloudwaysapps.com\/?p=24859"},"modified":"2016-10-01T13:04:59","modified_gmt":"2016-10-01T13:04:59","slug":"200-billion-funding-public-transportation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikocity.com\/200-billion-funding-public-transportation\/","title":{"rendered":"$200 Billion In Funding For Public Transportation"},"content":{"rendered":"

Via CleanTechnica<\/a>.<\/p>\n

$200 billion in funding for public transportation could\u00a0make a big difference in the air everyone breathes. It could\u00a0make a difference in the day-to-day mobility of many travelers. As US\u00a0elections near, there is a definite tone within the US political system. This election cycle grasps for our vote. I think about\u00a0all the money spent on this process. I wonder why this process goes on for two years — not six weeks, like other places. Are voters\u00a0confused, or feeling a sense of futility, or lost about how effective their vote is?<\/p>\n

Well, remember, there are\u00a0ways to make a difference outside of the\u00a0presidential election as well. That is to vote for policy efficiency, policies that protect your grandchildren. As part of that,\u00a0$200 billion worth of public transit\u00a0funding is up in the air in November elections.<\/p>\n

\"Metro<\/a><\/p>\n

However, transit amendments can be confusing and even misleading, and you must\u00a0be sure to understand language, intent, context, and precise policies being proposed. I recommend absentee voting so you\u00a0can have the time to decipher\u00a0the things you\u00a0vote on. We can transform mobility<\/a>\u00a0and work at a community level for less traffic, more options, lower emissions, and cleaner air and water.<\/p>\n

The American Public Transportation Authority (APTA)<\/a>\u00a0brought\u00a0our\u00a0attention to transit issues on the ballot on November 8, 2016. Whether you choose public transit or not (as a personal choice), supporting public transit mitigates traffic congestion and keep the air cleaner. \u201cIf a local public transit measure is on the ballot in your community, it is vitally important that you come out to vote for it,\u201d said\u00a0APTA Acting President and CEO Richard A. White. \u201cWhen people vote to improve or expand the local public transit system, they are voting for an improved quality of life and for the economic vitality of their region.\u201d<\/p>\n

There are more than 30\u00a0local referendums on public transportation on ballots across the US on November 8. \u201cWith approximately $200 billion in funding for public transportation, this is a game changer for people and the communities they live in,\u201d\u00a0White exclaims.<\/p>\n

\u201cCommunities of all sizes are asking citizens to vote for initiatives that will determine their future,\u201d said APTA Chair and Foothill Transit Executive Director Doran J. Barnes. \u201cThese initiatives and referendums are critical to expanding mobility options and to increasing the economic vitality of their communities.\u201d<\/p>\n

ATPA press shares some of the areas where ballot initiatives are up for a vote:\u00a0Los Angeles ($120 billion), Seattle ($54 billion), San Diego ($7.5 billion), San Francisco ($3.5 billion), Santa Clara County ($3 billion), Atlanta ($2.5 billion), and Columbus ($620 million).\u00a0Click here<\/a> to see a list of the public transit ballot initiatives APTA has identified.<\/p>\n

Understanding that something is going to be better is often the issue for passing such referendums.\u00a0\u201cWhen people understand how a ballot initiative will improve their community\u2019s transportation network, they overwhelmingly vote to support the suggested funding,\u201d said White.<\/p>\n

Here are some\u00a0public transportation benefits<\/a>\u00a0to consider and promote, via APTA:<\/p>\n

Every segment of American society — individuals, families, communities, and businesses — benefits from public transportation.<\/em><\/p>\n

Public Transportation Consists of a Variety of Modes<\/em><\/h2>\n