Ohio Needs To Upgrade Its Public Transportation, Politicians Say

LAKEWOOD, OH — Two Ohio state representatives called for an increase in state investment in public transportation on Wednesday. The duo — State Rep. Mike Skindell and State Rep. Terrence Upchurch — introduced legislation to fund state transit improvements.

Policy Matters Ohio has consistently described Ohio's public transportation systems as "in crisis." Senior Researcher Amanda Woodrum said the state has under-invested in public transportation for decades. She said Ohio currently ranks 40th in the nation for per capita public transportation spending. Ohio currently spends 63 cents per person on mass transit.

“Ohio currently ranks near the bottom of states when it comes to investing in public transit. We cannot afford to fall further behind,” said Skindell, a Democrat from Lakewood. “By reinvesting in our infrastructure, we attract business and development, connect people to jobs and services and grow our economy. This plan puts Ohio in the driver’s seat again.”

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The proposed legislation would boost General Revenue Fund dollars by $100 million in Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021. The legislation would also increase the use of federal flex funds in the public transportation budget, to the tune of $50 million in Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021.

“Inadequate public transportation options make it harder for many Ohioans to get to work, attend classes and make it in to see their doctor,” said Upchurch, a Democrat from Cleveland. “To grow our economy, we need to begin investing in projects that will move us forward, and this includes public transportation infrastructure built for the 21st century.”

Photo from Rick Uldricks, Patch