Public transit ridership hits highest level in 52 years

March 9, 2009 at 12:00a.m.

Washington Post

WASHINGTON — Despite job losses and falling gasoline prices, record numbers of Americans rode subways, buses and commuter rail last year, boosting public transportation ridership to its highest level in 52 years, according to a survey to be released today by the American Public Transportation Association.

Advocates say the ridership figures show growing support for public transportation. They hope to use that support to push for federal funding beyond the $8.4 billion in stimulus money set for transit. More investment in transit not only helps the economy, advocates say, but also helps the environment and fosters energy independence.

“Now, more than ever, the value of public transportation is evident and the public has clearly demonstrated that they want and need more public transit services,” said APTA President William Millar.

The 10.7 billion transit trips Americans took last year amounted to a 4 percent increase over trips taken in 2007; at the same time, Americans drove measurably less, according to the Transportation Department.

The rise is significant because cheaper gas and job losses can drive transit ridership down. Almost 60 percent of transit riders go to work.