The American Public Transportation Association has released a new report showing that more people nationwide are taking buses and trains. Amid high has prices, young students and struggling families are being credited with the jump.
Nationwide, "with seven consecutive quarters of ridership increases, it's obvious that public demand for public transit is growing," said Michael Melaniphy, chief executive and president of the American Public Transportation Association. "We continue to see that in areas where the local economy is improving and new jobs are being added, public transportation ridership is up." APTA's new report indicates that national public transit use rose 2.6 percent in the first three quarters of this year compared to last year.
"What's driving a lot of this is these gas prices are just so high. We're a relatively high-unemployment areas, so it's pretty tough for a lot of folks, and riding a bus is a good alternative," said Marion Ashley, a Riverside County Supervisor and a Riverside Transit Agency official. Although local Southern California officials attribute the growth to high gas prices, the long-term trend locally (ridership has increased by 27 percent in Riverside since 2002) and nationally seems to indicate that transit use has continued to increase despite short-term fluctuations in gas prices.
FULL STORY: Use of public transportation jumps
Report: Transit Ridership Dropped in First Half of 2015
Fears that low gas prices and increasing vehicle miles traveled would negatively affect transit ridership might have come true in the first half of the year, according to data provided by the American Public Transportation Association.
APTA Report Documents Transit Equity Efforts
Transit agencies around the country are boosting their efforts to serve historically marginalized communities and make transit work better for the households that rely on it the most.
How Transportation Costs Vary Across US Cities
A new analysis reveals how annual transportation costs compare around the country.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.
Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.
Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Santa Clarita
Ascent Environmental
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service