VOTING OUTCOMES OF LOCAL TAX BALLOT MEASURES WITH A SUBSTANTIAL RAIL TRANSIT COMPONENT: CASE STUDY OF EFFECTS OF TRANSPORTATION PACKAGES

This research explores the effect of transportation package characteristics, both qualitative and quantitative, on the outcome of tax ballot measures with a substantial rail transit component. Seventeen recent ballot measures, each occurring in 1995 or later, in 12 communities are examined with information generated through on-site and telephone interviews and written documentation. Key findings suggest that (a) failed campaigns may successfully be repeated with appropriate adjustments; (b) multimodal packages tend to be more readily approved by voters; (c) providing perceived geographic equity is both important and challenging, with one feasible approach involving decentralized planning; (d) involving influential representatives from the business community, environmental groups, and the political community in the planning process is important in building an effective supporting coalition, although developing a package acceptable to all these groups can be difficult, and (e) voters appear to be more sensitive to the tax expiration date than to the sales tax rate.