According to the American Public Transit Association (APTA), states contribute an average of 20% of transit systems' total capital and operating funds on a nationwide basis. That figure obscures the wide variability between states, which contribute anywhere from zero to almost two billion dollars to their transit systems. Another 20% of funds come from "local" sources, including both county and city sources. A national study found that half of all states rely on a single source for their transit funding. Typical sources included general funds, gas taxes, motor vehicle sales taxes, bonds, fees and sales taxes. In spite of these many general categories, half of the states responding to the national study said their state transit funds came from an "Other" source. County funding sources are even more diverse.
In general, state and county sources are more likely to fund transit's operating expenses than are federal sources, which are often restricted for use on capital projects. Some states, however, fund only capital expenses, while some fund both capital and operating costs. States that have highly urbanized counties are more likely to fund transit systems than primarily rural states.
State and county support for transit helps cities to simultaneously fulfill many responsibilities, including mobility and access, reduction of emissions, and economic development.
Transit availability can help reduce driving, which in turn reduces emissions. Transit infrastructure can generally move more people with less impervious surface, improving stormwater runoff and water quality.
Water from precipitation that flows over nonporous surfaces into sewer systems or receiving water bodies.
