Facts at a Glance

Quick Facts

• In 2017, Americans took 10.1 billion trips on public transportation.
• 34 million times each weekday, people board public transportation.
• Public transportation is a $68 billion industry that employs more than 420,000 people.
• More than 6,700 organizations provide public transportation in the United States.
• Since 1995 public transportation ridership increased by 30% - a growth rate higher than the 22% increase in the U.S. population
  

Public Transportation Has a Positive Economic Impact on Communities

• Every $1 communities invest in public transportation approximately $4 is generated in economic returns.
• Every $10 million in operating investment in public transportation yields $30 million in increased business sales.
• Residential property values perform 42 percent better on average if they are located near public transportation with high-frequency service.
• 1.4 million jobs are created or sustained per year because of public transportation.

Public Transportation Gives Access

• 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.
• Public transportation provides access to job opportunities for millions of Americans.

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 more than $10,000 by taking public transportation and living with one less car.