Report: Public transportation sees 4.25% increase

Public transportation ridership in the United States grew by 4.25% in the first quarter of 2006, compared to the same period in 2005, according to a report released by the American Public Transportation Association Wednesday. The report showed nearly 2.5 billion trips taken on public transportation in the first quarter of 2006, with all modes of public transportation showing ridership increases. Light rail (modern streetcars and trolleys) had the highest increase among all modes with an 11.2% increase in the 2006 first quarter. Light rail systems with double digit increases included: San Jose (27.3%); Minneapolis (26%); Philadelphia (18%); San Diego (17.3%) and Buffalo, N.Y. (16.7%). Bus ridership posted the second largest increase at 4.5% nationwide. The largest bus agencies showing double digit increases were located in the following cities: Detroit (18.7%); San Antonio (14.9%); Dallas (13.8%); Houston (10.8%); and Seattle (10%). Commuter rail showed a 3.4% increase, with the highest ridership numbers being posted in Oceanside, Calif. (13.2%); Dallas (10.9%); Chesterton, Ind. (10.2%); Philadelphia (8.2%); and New Haven, Conn. (7.9%). Other modes showing increases included demand response (paratransit) by 3.7%, followed closely by heavy rail, which increased by 3.2%. Trolleybus ridership increased by 2.1% and all other modes increased by 2.9% in the 2006 first quarter. To see the complete report, go to www.apta.com/research/stats/ridership/