Public transportation in the United States is a crucial part of the solution to the nation's economic, energy, and environmental challenges – helping to bring a better quality of life. In increasing numbers, people are using public transportation and local communities are expanding public transit services. Every segment of American society – individuals, families, communities, and businesses – benefits from public transportation.
Quick Facts
- Public transportation includes several modes of transportation including Van pool services, Paratransit services for Senior citizens and people with disabilities, Trolleys, Local Buses, Express Buses, Streetcars, Cable cars, Bus Rapid Transit, Light Rail Transit, Commuter Rail, Heavy Rail Transit/ Subways, Monorails and tramways, High Speed Rail, Ferries, and water taxis
- In 2008, Americans took 10.7 billion trips on public transportation.
- 35 million times each weekday, people board public transportation.
- From 1995 through 2008, public transportation ridership increased by 38% – a growth rate higher than the 14% increase in U.S. population and higher than the 21% growth in the use of the nation's highways over the same period.
- Public transportation is a $48.4 billion industry that employs more than 380,000 people.
- More than 7,700 organizations provide public transportation in the United States.
Current Transit Planning Efforts
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Broadway | West End Corridor Study (2011) The purpose of the study is to find the best way or ways to improve movement and access along the corridor, which includes large employers in the downtown business district as well as along the corrido. This project will create a more direct connection between downtown and what many generally refer to as the city's "West End". During the study, the team will identify transit needs along the corridor and examine all feasible options, such as modern streetcars, light rail and bus rapid transit. This study will identify a preferred transportation choice which may make Metro eligible for federal financing of the project and will make the city more competitive to receive money to design and build a new transit system. |
Middle Tennessee Transit Partners
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