TRANSIT NEWS

December 4, 2007        
For Immediate Release

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION RIDERSHIP CONTINUES TO GROW

Nearly 50 million more trips taken in third quarter 2007

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) today announced that Americans took nearly 50 million more trips on public transportation during the third quarter of 2007, compared to the third quarter of 2006, representing a 2 percent increase in ridership.

Noting that more and more Americans are choosing to ride public transportation as gas prices remain high and traffic congestion remains a problem, APTA President William W. Millar said, “The greater use of public transit in the third quarter of 2007 demonstrates the importance of a community having a good public transportation system to help its residents save time and money.”

In the third quarter of 2007, light rail (modern light rail, streetcars, trolleys, and heritage trolleys) had the highest percentage of ridership growth among all modes of transportation, with an 8.9% increase.  Some of the areas reporting the highest increases in light rail ridership opened new services. The Regional Transit Authority of New Orleans, LA showed the largest increase at 115.7%, as it restores more service.  Other areas showing notable increases on light rail systems are:  Denver, CO (65.1%), St. Louis, MO (25.8%), Kenosha, WI (23.3%), New Jersey (14.1%), Tampa, FL (13.1%), and San Diego, CA (12.5%)

Commuter rail had the second highest growth rate of all modes at 5.4% and areas with significant commuter rail ridership increases included: Harrisburg to Philadelphia, PA (50.2%), Oakland, CA (16.2%), Oceanside, CA (12.8%), Dallas-Forth Worth, TX (12.3%), Stockton, CA (12.4%), Philadelphia, PA (9.4%), and Anchorage, AK (9.0%).

Heavy rail (subways) ridership grew nationally by 4.0% during the third quarter of 2007. Areas showing the largest increases in ridership are:  San Juan, Puerto Rico (10.6%), Atlanta, GA (10.4%), and Staten Island, NY (10.2%).

Bus ridership throughout the country showed a slight increase of 0.1%, although in communities with a population below 100,000, bus ridership showed a 7.5% increase.            

Demand response (paratransit) ridership increased by 4.5% for the third quarter of 2007.    Trolley bus ridership increased by 1.5% and all other types of public transportation increased by 6.7%.

To see the complete report, go to:  http://www.apta.com/research/stats/ridership/

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APTA is a nonprofit international association of 1,500 member organizations including public transportation systems; planning, design, construction and finance firms; product and service providers; academic institutions; and state associations and departments of transportation.  APTA members serve the public interest by providing safe, efficient and economical public transportation services and products.  APTA members serve more than 90 percent of persons using public transportation in the United States and Canada.