If you don’t have a car, your next best option for getting around is hopping on public transportation. 🚃 But what happens if you can’t afford the fare or there’s no bus route in your local area? 🥴
In Ohio, more funding put towards public transit could be a game changer. Let’s get nerdy and take a look at some recent stats. 🤓
Here’s Five Fast Facts on Ohio’s public transit funding:
- 💸 Pimp My Ride - Despite Ohio’s major cities experiencing high levels of poverty, Ohioans are paying a lot to ride public transportation. Cleveland was ranked the second poorest city in the US in 2023. However, between 2006 and 2021, Cleveland doubled their transit fares and cut service by 25%.
- 👷🏽♂️ Connect ODOTs - In the Buckeye state, funding for public transit only made up 1.5% of the state’s $13.5 billion transportation budget this year. The majority of those dollars ($11.5 billion, or 85%) goes to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to support the state highway system and other initiatives.
- 🚆 Off the Rails - Back in 1989, Ohio’s General Revenue Fund (GRF) provided $41 million for public transportation. In 2002, it was bumped up to $46 million. For fiscal year 2024-2025, funding sits at $37 million. Adjusting for inflation, funding should be closer to around $80 million to keep the pace.
- 💰 Hi, Neighbor - Compared to Ohio’s neighbors, the state’s share of funding makes up a much smaller piece of the pie compared to federal, local, and other sources. The state funds 4% of public transit costs. In Pennsylvania, the state funds 51%. In Michigan, the state funds 29% and in Illinois, 14.5%.
- 🚗 Driving Me Mad - In 2022, transportation was the fourth-largest household expense in the US. Households spent roughly $12,295 annually, or about 16.5% of the national median household income. The majority of these expenses (90%) went towards car-related costs (buying, operating, maintaining).
🔥Bottom line: Listen, we know money doesn’t buy happiness, but it does solve…a whole lot of problems. More funding for public transit could mean cheaper fares and more accessibility for Ohioans to get from A to B. On another note, if you’re looking for a new job in healthcare, Ohio’s hospitals literally have thousands of job openings. See for yourself by heading over to this article!
Do you rely on public transit to get around?
Let us know by connecting with us on Facebook and Instagram! Also, remember to share this newsletter with your friends & coworkers!
Btw, If you’ve read this far and haven’t yet signed up for the weekly Paycheckology newsletter, CLICK HERE!
