Transcript Public Input: Online Community Funding Options & Perceptions Survey TFAC 10.15.12 Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Public Input: Online Community
Funding Options & Perceptions Survey
TFAC
10.15.12
Minnesota Department of Transportation
MnDOT Online Customer Community
400 Residents
Census alignment (age, income, geography, education, etc)
Surveys or Discussions sent out weekly
Online Interactions
Timely, nimble feedback not expected to be precise
Provides useful, directional feedback
Two surveys, in three weeks to help inform TFAC (~200)
o Perceptions of future funding needs
o Reaction to 10 potential funding options
Nearly equal numbers believe there isn’t adequate funding (today)
as are unsure. About a quarter believe the state does have
sufficient transportation funding.
How well are transportation needs funded in Minnesota today?
Adequately funded
•
Not adequately funded
I don't know
Reasons believe there’s inadequate transportation funding:
–
–
–
–
Roads and bridges are in need or repair/maintenance
Lack /slow expansion of light rail/other forms of public transportation
Seen projects postponed
Unsure where all funding being allocated
Three of four are not familiar with the current funding options for
Minnesota’s transportation system.
How familiar are you with Minnesota's current funding options
for its roads and highways?
Very familiar
Somewhat familiar
Not very familiar
Not at all familiar
Shown choices, funding options are correctly recalled:
• Gas Tax
• Vehicle Sales tax
• Federal Funding
• Local Tax
• Registrations Fees
• Fares (transit)
Of the possible transportation funding options described [to fund
Minnesota’s MM transportation system into the next 20 years] a tiered
response emerged.
Most favorably viewed funding options:
(Ranked: order most favorable)
1.
2.
3.
4.
Vehicle Registration Fees
Motor Vehicle Sales Tax
Motor Fuel Tax
Sponsorships
Least favorably viewed funding options:
(Ranked: order of least favorable)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mileage User Fee
General Sales Tax
Adding Toll Roads
Property Tax
Local/Regional Tax
Income Tax
Despite uncertainties over current funding levels, half are confident that
Minnesota will have adequate funding for its transportation needs in the
next 20 years.
How confident are you Minnesota's transportation needs will
be adequately funded 20 years from now?
Very confident
Somewhat
confident
Not very
confident
Not at all
confident
I don't know
• Optimism stems from the perception that MnDOT is being proactive with future
planning and innovation and the volume of work witnessed. Others point out
that Minnesota is a highly taxed state and should therefore have all the
necessary funding.
There is more concern about the future of education, employment,
and health in the next 20 years than transportation.
Not concerned
Moderately concerned
Very concerned
Minnesotans’ describe an end state with and without adequate funding.
If transportation is adequately funded over the next 20 years, as a whole will be safer, roads and bridges will be
properly maintained, there will be more transportation choices , traffic congestion will be reduced and this state
will be prepared for and able to support growth in commerce and population.
Adequate funding over the next 20 years
•
•
Inadequate funding over next 20 years
Safe transportation
• Roads appropriately maintained
• Safe/well maintained bridges and other
infrastructures
•
Safety conditions will be diminished
•
Bridges and other infrastructure not be properly
maintained (unsafe bridges, gravel roads)
Additional options/choices for transportation
• Increase in light rail
• Suitable public transportation for senior
citizens, and residents in general
•
Fewer options/choices for public transit
•
Minnesota will be less competitive in the region
•
Lack of innovation in transportation
•
Increased congestion
•
Reduced traffic congestion
•
Minnesota will attract more people and business –
further boosting the state economy
“We could feel safe on ALL our roads whether driving, biking or
walking. Bridges, roadways and rail tracks would be properly
maintained.”
“We would be able to choose our preferred mode of
transportation at any given time.”
“I think that more people would be drawn to Minnesota, more
business, etc. When roads are well maintained, it creates a
positive feel of the state.”
“All modes of transportation will be overcrowded, possibly
unsafe, and will have lots of failures.”
“Lack of transportation options compared to the population
- aging roads may mean more accidents and incidents”
“Bridge safety would concern me most. I think we might
miss some areas that are in need of repair and tragic
things could happen.”
Bottom Line
There’s low familiarity and awareness about whether Minnesota’s
transportation system is currently, adequately funded.
Long term transportation funding is not viewed as a significant concern.
Existing funding sources show higher acceptance -- for addressing the
long term needs. As more ideas are provided we’ll collect more public
input.
It’s important to communicate the future transportation vision along with
the proposed funding solutions.
- “sell the problem” as well as the funding options