Passenger Voting Guide: 2026 Transit & Rail Ballot Measures

As the nation’s midterm elections approach, many voters will once again find transportation on the ballot.

However, for passenger rail and public transportation supporters, not all transportation measures are created equal. With our roads choked with automotive traffic and gasoline and diesel prices soaring, cities and states need to work to diversify America's transportation portfolio and move away from an overreliance on single occupancy automotive vehicles.

In our 2026 Rail Passengers Association voting guide, we look at which transportation initiatives are focused on investing in supporting and expanding public transit, and which treat transit as an afterthought to big highway and road funding packages.

Strongly Recommended: Transit and Passenger Rail Focused

Colorado Front Range Passenger Rail District (13 Counties)

Measure 7A Recommendation: YES

Measure 7A would create a dedicated funding source for the Front Range Passenger Rail project linking Denver, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and other communities. Revenue is specifically intended for passenger rail development and operations rather than highway expansion.

Transit/Rail Focus: ★★★★★

Why passengers should support it: One of the nation's most significant intercity passenger rail expansion opportunities, creating an alternative to Interstate 25 travel while connecting major population centers throughout Colorado.

Bay Area, California

Regional Transit Measure Recommendation: YES

This regional sales tax would provide approximately $1 billion annually to sustain and improve transit systems including BART, Muni, Caltrain, AC Transit, and other operators. The measure is primarily designed to prevent devastating service cuts and maintain regional mobility.

Transit/Rail Focus: ★★★★★

Why passengers should support it: Failure could lead to substantial service reductions at some of America's busiest transit agencies. This is arguably the most important transit funding measure on the ballot nationally.

San Francisco, California

Measure H Recommendation: YES

Measure H would fund Muni operations through a dedicated parcel tax, supporting bus, streetcar, and light rail service within San Francisco.

Transit/Rail Focus: ★★★★★

Why advocates should support it: While less attention grabbing than ballot measures that identify big, capex-intensive projects, a dedicated source of reliable operating funding remains the Holy Grail of U.S. transit systems, and is crucial to maintaining frequent and reliable service.

Seattle, Washington

Proposition 1 Recommendation: YES

This proposal would increase dedicated local funding for Seattle Transit service, primarily supporting bus operations and service expansion.

Transit/Rail Focus: ★★★★★
Road Spending: None
Why advocates should support it: Expands transit access and helps maintain frequent bus service in one of the nation's strongest transit markets.

Pierce County, Washington

Proposition 1 Recommendation: YES

The measure would expand funding for public transportation, including both bus service and light rail investments.

Transit/Rail Focus: ★★★★★

Why advocates should support it: Directly expands transit capacity while strengthening regional rail connections.

Stark County, Ohio

Transit Sales Tax Renewal Recommendation: YES

This measure renews the county transit authority's existing funding source at the current rate rather than increasing taxes.

Transit/Rail Focus: ★★★★★

Why advocates should support it: Preserves transit service and prevents potential reductions in a region where many residents rely on transit for daily mobility.

Lawrence, Kansas

Public Transit Sales Tax Increase Recommendation: YES

Would increase local funding dedicated specifically to public transit service.

Transit/Rail Focus: ★★★★★

Why advocates should support it: Direct investment in public transportation operations and service improvements.

Road-Heavy Transportation Packages

Charleston County, South Carolina

Transportation Sales Tax Renewal Recommendation: LEAN YES

The measure would generate substantial transportation revenue for both transit improvements and roadway projects.

Transit/Rail Focus: ★★☆☆☆

Why advocates may support it: Includes meaningful transit investment (20% of all funding), though the majority of the funding package is directed toward highway and roadway infrastructure. Transit advocates should push for strong oversight of spending priorities.

Charlotte, North Carolina

Transportation Bond Measure Recommendation: LEAN NO

The transportation bond would authorize $280 million for transportation projects, with the focus on roads and bridges.

Transit/Rail Focus: ★☆☆☆☆

Why advocates may support it: The measure improves transportation infrastructure, with only marginal investments in bike/ped infrastructure.

Riverside County, California

Measure A Recommendation: MIXED

Measure A renews a long-standing transportation sales tax supporting both transit and road projects across Riverside County.

Transit/Rail Focus: ★★☆☆☆

Why advocates should be cautious: While it contains transit funding, the program has historically emphasized highway expansion and road maintenance. Transit benefits exist, but transit is not the primary focus.

Fresno County, California

Measure S Recommendation: LEAN YES

Measure S would continue transportation funding with allocations for roads, active transportation, and 25% of its funding going to transit.

Transit/Rail Focus: ★★★☆☆

Why advocates should be cautious: Transit, bike and pedestrian projects are included. However, the lion's share of funding remains devoted to conventional roadway investments (although, to be fair, supporters argue that the measure shifts from highway expansion to a fix-it-first strategy).