ALTERNATIVE FUNDING SOURCES FOR PUBLIC TRANSIT

This paper summarizes known mechanisms for engaging private land developer participation in contributing to public bus transit capital facilities and operations. The paper also emphasizes bus transit, rather than rail, because far more transit systems in the U.S. are exclusively bus systems, and those that do run rail service usually operate bus service as well. Non-regulatory and regulatory approaches are both given. The challenges of writing effective land development regulations to support transit facility development are discussed. Three types of zoning are presented: conditional, incentive, and overlay. The paper also identifies trip reduction, ordinances, and impact fees as potential tools to enlist private land developer contributions for bus transit. Adequate public facilities ordinances are also discussed, with special emphasis on transportation concurrency as practiced in Florida. The paper summarizes challenges in the use of the development of regional impact review process to secure investments in transit. Case study examples are provided for most of these mechanisms, as are recommendations on actions that can be taken to increase investments in bus transit.