On August 2, Michigan voters passed five of the six public transit ballot measures up for a vote. These approvals come in the wake of a similar vote on May 3, when five other Michigan communities also voted “yes” on transit – approving every measure proposed. These measures will keep buses running in rural and suburban communities throughout the state:
- Crawford County, Mich. – 78% YES
Voters said yes for operating costs for the “Dial a Ride” buses with a 0.7 mill increase in the property tax
- Escabana, Mich. – 67% YES; Gladstone, Mich. – 62% YES; Maple Ridge, Mich. – NO 68%
Voters in Escabana and Gladstone renewed the 0.6 mill property tax levy for five-years
- Port Huron Township, Mich. – 58% YES
Voters approved a four-year property tax levy increase to 0.875 mill for the Blue Water Area Transit
- Iosco County – 79% YES
Voters supported a five-year renewal of a 0.0967 mill property tax levy
Visit the Center for Transportation Excellence’s 2011 ballot page to see the results of more 2011 transit ballot measures.
According to the Center for Transportation Excellence, transit funding ballots nationally have had a 70% approval rate over the last ten years. They win in both red and blue districts, indicating voters’ willingness to prioritize transportation choices in their communities.