In an epistle to All dated 22 Mar 97 10:37, James Sofka writes:
 JS> hy all i am looking for ways in witch.
 JS> various states transit departments
 JS> fund there services.  we are in a mess
 JS> in san-antonio and i need sum ideas
 JS> on how others solve this problem thanks in advance.
In Washington state, the law provides for a public entity known as 
a "Public Benefit Transit Area" (PTBA). Usually a PTBA encompasses 
an entire county. It has a Board of Directors composed of the 
chief executives of the principal towns in the area, among others. 
The PTBA has power to levvy a sales tax for the purpose of 
financing a transit system (Washington relies on sales taxes; we 
have no income tax). This includes both fixed-route and 
paratransit systems. Fare collections account for between 10% and 
12% of revenue.
Of course, the PTBA gets considerable funding through Federal 
programs administered by UMTA (The Urban Mass Transit 
Administration) including funds to assist in purchasing of lift- 
equipped buses and paratransit vans.
Mike Freeman 
Internet: mikef@pacifier.com
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