73% Of Americans Favour Investing In Public Transport With Their Tax Dollars

The Mineta Transportation Institute released a survey on Monday at the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Annual Rail Conference that shows growing support for the expansion of the US public transportation system.

The survey, entitled Americans Support for Public Transportation, shows that nearly 74% of survey respondents agree that their tax dollars could and should be used to create, expand, and improve public transportation in their community.

This number is up from an already growing majority in 2012 of 69%.

“We are experiencing this surge in support because citizens can see, touch, and feel the economic impact of investing in public transportation,” said APTA Chair Flora Castillo. “This survey emphasizes that public transit plays a great role in society because it directly touches people’s lives.”

“We look forward to sharing these great results with Congress,” said APTA President and CEO Michael Melaniphy.  “In most political circles, receiving nearly 74 percent in favor of increased investment would be considered a landslide.”

Even stronger support was found in the survey for public transportation’s role in jobs and careers. A strong 80% of respondents agreed with the statement that public transportation investment can help create jobs and help grow a stronger economy. However, an even greater 88% agreed that public transportation expands opportunities and provides access to new jobs and careers, not to mention medical care, schools, and other education.

Respondents also believe that Congress should be spending more on public transportation, with 66% saying that Congress should increase spending, a 5% increase on last year’s responses.