Public transportation transforms communities and the lives of the people living in them by spurring economic development, promoting sustainable lifestyles and providing a higher quality of life. Every segment of American society - individuals, families, communities, and businesses - benefits from public transportation.
Public Transportation Consists of a Variety of Modes
- Buses
- Trolleys and light rail
- Subways
- Commuter trains
- Streetcars
- Cable cars
- Van pool services
- Paratransit services for Senior citizens and people with disabilities
- Ferries and water taxis
- Monorails and tramways
Quick Facts
- In 2017, Americans took 10.1 billion trips on public transportation.
- 34 million times each weekday, people board public transportation.
- Since 1995, public transportation ridership has increased by 30% - a growth rate higher than the 22% increase in U.S. population.
- People board public transportation 35 million times each weekday.
- Public transportation is a $68 billion industry that employs more than 420,000 people.
- More than 7,700 organizations provide public transportation in the United States.
- 45% of Americans have no access to public transportation.
- Millennials consider public transportation as the best option for digital socializing and among the best for connecting with communities.
Public Transportation Provides Economic Opportunities
- Every $1 invested in public transportation generates $4 in economic returns.
- Every $1 billion invested in public transportation supports and creates more than 50,000 jobs.
- Every $10 million in capital investment in public transportation yields $30 million in increased business sales.
- Every $10 million in operating investment yields $32 million in increased business sales.
- 71% of public funding for public transportation flows to the private sector, creating and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs.
- Home values performed 42% better than when located near high-frequency public transit.
- Hotels in cities with direct rail access to airports raise 11% more revenue per room than hotels in those cities without.
Public Transportation Is a Safer Way to Travel Than by Automobile
- A person can reduce his or her chance of being in an accident by more than 90% simply by taking public transit as opposed to commuting by car.
- Traveling by public transportation is 10 times safer per mile than traveling by automobile.
Public Transportation Saves Money
- The average household spends 18 cents of every dollar on transportation, and 96% of this goes to buying, maintaining, and operating cars, the largest expenditure after housing.
- A household can save nearly $10,000 by taking public transportation and living with one less car.
Public Transportation Reduces Gasoline Consumption
- Public transportation's overall effects save the United States 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline annually.
Public Transportation Reduces Carbon Footprint
- Communities that invest in public transit reduce the nation's carbon emissions by 37 million metric tons annually.
Public Transportation Enhances Personal Opportunities
- Public transportation provides personal mobility and freedom for people from every walk of life.
- Access to public transportation gives people transportation options to get to work, go to school, visit friends, or go to a doctor's office.
- A total of 87% of trips on public transit have a direct impact on the local economy.
- Of all riders, 71% are employed and 7% are students.
- More than two-thirds of riders walk to their stop or station.
About APTA
APTA is the leading force in advancing public transportation. To strengthen and improve public transportation, APTA serves and leads its diverse membership through advocacy, innovation and information sharing. APTA and its members and staff work to ensure that public transportation is available and accessible for all Americans in communities across the country.
Comments
There are no comments yet for this item
Join the discussion