Voters Fast-Track $11.8 Billion for Public Transportation on Election Night

On Nov. 4, voters in Colorado, Michigan, North Carolina, New Mexico, and Washington supported measures that boost funding for public transit improvements, expansions, operations, and supporting infrastructure. Thirteen out of 16 ballot measures passed, delivering more than $11 billion to public transit, with an 81 percent win rate. Beyond funding, in six Colorado jurisdictions, voters took a major step by approving the creation of a Regional Transportation Authority to meet the needs of a growing population. In total, this year, 16 out of 19 ballot measures passed, resulting in an 84 percent win rate and $11,773,346,495 in public transit funding.

“Voters have sent a powerful message: public transportation is essential infrastructure that America needs and deserves,”said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “These ballot victories represent more than just transit funding—they’re investments in our national economy. Public transportation creates good-paying jobs, connects millions of Americans to work, and serves as the backbone of economic activity in communities nationwide. When voters choose to fund public transit, they are choosing economic growth, job creation, and expanded opportunity. The overwhelming support we’ve seen in 2025, and over the past several years, proves that Americans understand that public transportation isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about building stronger, more prosperous communities for generations to come.”

“Our communities turned out in strong numbers to support transit initiatives that make local life more equitable and resilient,” said Jessica Grennan, executive director of APTA’s Center for Transportation Excellence. “Even in an off-year election, voters still turn out for public transit, and we continue to see broad support from urban to rural areas and across the political spectrum. Last night’s victories join the rest of this year’s wins and reflect a decade-long trend: Americans vote for yes for public transportation.”

From West to East, voters approved transit improvements in their communities. Some highlights include:

• Voters in Charlotte, NC, said “Yes” to investing in a future transit system that serves commuters’ needs.
• Ellensburg, WA, residents supported Prop 1 to keep all services running, deliver planned service upgrades, support ridership growth, and more.
• Kalamazoo, MI, voters said “Yes” to a measure renewing and increasing the millage to keep buses, Metro Connect, and Metro Link running, while sustaining service levels and expanding access.

Results for all 2025 measures can be found on the Center for Transportation Excellence website.