A new survey released today at the American Public Transportation Association's (APTA) Annual Rail Conference provides evidence that there is growing support for an already strong majority of people in favor of expanding public transportation.  The survey, Americans Support for Public Transportation conducted by the Mineta Transportation Institute, shows that nearly 74 percent of respondents agreed to the use of their tax dollars to create, expand and improve public transportation in their community.  The number of respondents increased from an already solid 69 percent of Americans in support in 2012 to nearly 74 percent in favor this year.

"We are experiencing this surge in support because citizens can see, touch, and feel the economic impact of investing in public transportation," said APTA President and CEO Michael Melaniphy .  "In most political circles, receiving nearly 74 percent in favor of increased investment would be considered a landslide."

Eighty percent of those surveyed agreed with the statement that public transportation investment can help create jobs and pave the way to a stronger economy.  However, public transportation scores its strongest support when discussing access to opportunities.  When asked about the affordable transportation options for people, nearly 88 percent of respondents agreed that public transit expands opportunities and provides access to new jobs and careers as well as to medical care, schools, and colleges.

The survey respondents also sent a strong message to Congress about their growing support for increased investment.  Sixty-six percent of respondents believe Congress should increase spending on public transportation.  Compared to last year's survey, that registers as a 5 percent increase in support from a year ago.

"We look forward to sharing these great results with Congress," said Melaniphy.  "They are very consistent with the growing support we are seeing on the local level at the ballot box with nearly 80 percent of state and local ballot initiatives passing in 2012."