Nationwide Support for Public Transportation

contact: Donna Aggazio
(202) 496-4884
daggazio@apta.com

Public transportation has become increasingly important to Americans as commutes have gotten longer and traffic congestion has increased. A national study was conducted among 1,003 adults 18 years of age and older living in the continental United States.

Wirthlin Worldwide conducted the interviews over the telephone between February 12th and 16th. Here are the findings.

• " Public transportation remains a favorite of Americans and a plurality link increased investment in public transportation to enhanced quality of life. Fully, four-in-five (81%) agree that increased public investment in public transportation would strengthen the economy, create jobs, reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, and save energy. Recognition of public transportation quality of life benefits is consistent across locales.

• " Almost three-quarters (72 %) support the use of public funds for the expansion and improvement of public transportation.

• " A majority of the population expresses support for candidates supporting public transportation and 64% said they would be more likely to support a candidate for Congress who supports improving public transportation options.

• " Traffic congestion is an important issue and most adults (56%) say that the need to reduce traffic congestion and the time it takes to get to work has become more important in the past five years.

• " Most Americans, even those living in rural areas of the country, agree that their community needs more public transportation options.

• " Regardless of locale, residents voice support for public transportation options and funding in their communities -- urban (64%), suburban (59%), rural (51%) and small town (55%).

Results of these nationwide findings are presented below.

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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.