Public Transportation Ridership Up By 2.11% In 2004

March 29, 2005

Contacts: Virginia Miller (202) 496-4816 vmiller@apta.com

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The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) announced that 9.6 billion trips were taken on U.S. local public transportation systems in 2004, an increase of 2.11 percent over the previous year. This growth rate was faster than highway vehicle travel, which grew by 1.14 percent in 2004.

"Public transportation is on the move. Over the past ten years 23 percent more trips were taken by Americans on public transportation," said APTA President William W. Millar. "Now more than ever, it is urgent that Congress pass a long-term, well-funded and fully guaranteed transportation bill that meets the increased public demand for public transportation."

The largest increase of ridership in 2004 was in light rail, which showed an 8.2 percent increase from 2003. The light rail mode includes streetcars and trolleys. Several new light rail services started in 2004 in cities across the country including: Houston, Minneapolis, Little Rock, Charlotte, and Trenton. Expanded light rail services in 2004 went into effect in Pittsburgh, San Jose, Memphis, New Orleans, Portland (OR), Sacramento, and Jersey City (NJ).

Other rail modes also saw increases. Heavy rail (also called subways) increased nationally by 3 percent. Commuter rail increased by 0.3 percent, while buses saw a ridership increase of 1.7.

Demand response, also called paratransit, grew 4.1 percent, making it the second largest modal increase in 2004. This service is comprised of passenger cars, vans or small buses that serve primarily older Americans and persons with disabilities.

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APTA is a nonprofit international association of more than 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. Over ninety percent of persons using public transportation in the United States and Canada are served by APTA members.