Public transportation ridership climbs 3.2%

Americans took nearly 5 billion trips on public transit in the first six months of 2006 — a 3.2% increase, according to the American Public Transportation Association. Light rail had the highest percentage of ridership growth among all modes of transportation, with a 9.4% increase. San Jose, Calif.-based Santa Clara Valley Transportation reported the largest increase in rail ridership at 33%. Commuter rail grew by 3.4% and heavy rail (subways) grew nationally by 2.6%. Bus ridership increased by 3.4%, with the most growth in Detroit at 14.2%. Demand response grew by 3.8%, trolleybus ridership increased by 0.5% and all other types of public transportation increased by 0.6% from January through June 2006. To see the complete report, go to apta.com/research/stats/ridership/