EARNING INTEREST : TRANSIT AGENCIES STRIVE TO CONVINCE STATE ADMINISTRATORS, LOCAL VOTERS THAT THEIR SYSTEMS ARE WORTH SUPPORTING - AND FUNDING

This article relates the experiences of five transit agencies in their efforts to find new ways to fund and support their systems. It discusses how the Regional Transportation District of Denver (RTD) is focusing on securing voter support to pay for a system expansion. Officials at the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) were successful in getting voters to approve to approve the first local sales tax measure in California that is dedicated solely to transit. Rather than turning to voters for funding support, administrators at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) are focusing on securing dedicated local government support in program funding. The Port Authority of Allegheny County is reaching out to its local constituents to ask for assistance in convincing Pennsylvania administrators to dedicate more funds for transit systems. Finally, the article relates how the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LAMTA) is working to convince state and local legislators that funding public transportation is the best way to reduce traffic congestion.