Transportation is the key to moving Missouri forward, and there is an opportunity in the 2016 Legislative session to make a difference. Discussions are underway about an increase in the Missouri gas tax for roads and bridges (SB623). Other discussions are going on about General Revenue funds for transportation. Funding for TOTAL transportation in Missouri including transit needs to be addressed.
Last year Missouri public transportation providers received little more than $500,000 for transit operations from the state. Currently, the State of Missouri ranks 44th out of 50 states with regards to funding of public transit.
However, the facts show investment in transit increases access to jobs, education and healthcare; creates development opportunities; and provides reinvestment in the disadvantaged areas of our state. According to the American Public Transit Association, for every dollar invested in transit projects there is a $4 return for the state.
Did you know this about Missouri’s transportation system?
- We have NOT increased our gas tax since 1992.
- The 17 cents from 1992 is now equivalent to 8 cents.
- According to the Missouri constitution, revenues from the gas tax are limited to roads and bridges.
- Missouri ranks 44h of the 50 states in public transportation funding.
- Missouri is ranked 47th in revenue spent per mile on our roads.
- Missouri spend just 9 cents per capita on transit funding. Our neighbor Illinois spends more than $60 per capita on transit.
- Iowa (10 cents), Arkansas and Kansas have all increased taxes to cover their transportation needs.
Did you know this about transit?
Consider these facts from the American Public Transportation Association:
- Every $1 invested in public transportation generates approximately $4 in economic return
- Every $1 billion invested in public transportation supports and creates more than 50,000 jobs.
- Each year, an individual can achieve an average annual savings of more than $10,000 by taking public transportation instead of driving and by living with one less car.
- Public transportation in this country is a $61 billion industry, employing more than 400,000 people.
- Public transportation in the United States reduces our nation’s carbon emissions by 37 million metric tons annually. This is equivalent to Washington, DC; New York City; Atlanta; Denver and Los Angeles combined eliminating the use of electricity.
- A single commuter switching his or her commute to public transportation can reduce a household’s carbon emissions by 10% and up to 30% if he or she eliminates a second car.
- Public transportation use in the United States saves 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline annually, reducing our country’s reliance on foreign oil.
- In 2014, Americans took 10.8 billion trips on public transportation – the highest in 58 years.
- Over the past 10 years, public transit ridership is up 39%, outpacing population growth and vehicle miles traveled (VMT).
Missouri has a TOTAL Transportation FUNDING problem, what are your ideas to fix it?