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 Trasit Planning Efforts
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Northeast Corridor Mobility Study (2010) The study is a comprehensive planning effort in the region’s 30-mile long Northeast Corridor focused on developing transportation investment strategies that support the priorities of communities between downtown Nashville and Gallatin, TN. The study will examine the economic growth potential of various land use and urban design scenarios for the fast growing corridor en route to evaluating potential transportation projects like passenger rail and bus rapid transit. The MPO is currently looking to citizens and businesses throughout the area to help shape the future of transportation in the corridor. |
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Regional Transit Master Plan (2010) The Regional Transit Plan will be a transit vision for the region that will provide a blueprint for implementation of transit services as the region strives to develop a dedicated funding source for public transportation. The plan will be developed in coordination with all the transit agencies in the 10-county region and will help guide, evaluate and prioritize the establishment and expansion of high capacity transit corridors and investments across the region. It will also be a tool to strengthen the regional connectivity and mobility of transit users. |
Middle Tennessee Transit Partners
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