Report: Public transit ridership on the rise

Americans took 10.1 billion trips on local public transportation in 2006, according to a report released by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). Overall, public transit ridership grew 2.9% over 2005, outnumbering domestic airline trips by 15 to one. Light rail had the highest percentage increase among all modes, with 5.6% increase in 2006. Ridership on heavy rail posted the second largest increase at 4.1%, with Los Angeles seeing the highest increase in ridership — 10.8%. Commuter rail posted the third largest increase at 3.2%. Miami had the rail system with the highest ridership growth rate (21.3%) in 2006. In addition, demand response (paratransit) ridership increased by 2.9% and the transit bus increased by 2.3%. Large bus agencies in Seattle, San Antonio, Dallas, Los Angeles and Houston also experienced increases. To see the complete report, visit http://www.apta.com/research/stats/ridership.