By overwhelming majorities, Americans support broader access to public transportation and safe walking and biking. The results are from a new poll commissioned by "Transportation for America', one of the League's national partners in the fight for more funding of transit options.
In the findings, four out of five voters believe that “the United States would benefit from an expanded and improved transportation system,” that includes rail and buses. Even in rural America, 79 percent of voters agreed with the statement, despite much lower use of public transportation compared to urban Americans.
Of particular interest to policy makers might actually be that a strong majority, 59%, says that funding levels for public transportation are insufficient. With lawmakers in both Lansing and Washington, D.C. currently in the midst of transportation funding discussions, the results of this survey and the recent remarks of US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, are something to keep in mind as efforts are made to transition toward a 21st century world-class transportation system that provides more options for public transit, walking and bicycling.
Arnold Weinfeld covers federal issues for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.
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