METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

APTA, public transit industry kick off inaugural 'Get on Board Day'

More than 200 public transit agencies and organizations will come together to host various activities, events, and special promotions.

April 24, 2019
APTA, public transit industry kick off inaugural 'Get on Board Day'

As of April 2019, a two-person household on average saves $837 per month by taking transit and downsizing by one car.

SORTA

2 min to read


As of April 2019, a two-person household on average saves $837 per month by taking transit and downsizing by one car. SORTA

On Thursday, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) and its members will celebrate the first-ever National Get on Board Day. APTA is sponsoring this national education and awareness day to emphasize the importance of public transportation to communities nationwide.

More than 200 public transit agencies and organizations will come together to host various activities, events, and special promotions across the nation to highlight the societal and economic benefits of public transportation.

Ad Loading...

"The value of public transportation is shown through the many benefits it brings to our nation and its communities both large and small," said APTA President/CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. "Increased investment is a critical component of improving the mobility options that boost the American economy."

With 34 million daily riders, public transit benefits every segment of American society. Public transportation provides a safe, sustainable, and affordable means of travel to riders and promotes economic development by increasing business sales, job creation, home values, and more. As of April 2019, a two-person household on average saves $837 per month by taking transit and downsizing by one car.

While 77% of Americans view public transportation as the backbone of a mobile lifestyle, only 50% report having access to frequent public transportation, according to new research from APTA. The study also found that public transportation systems have more than $232 billion in critical projects in need of investment that would stimulate a four-to-one return of $928 billion in economic activity over the next 20 years.

APTA encourages community members and leaders to express their support and get on board for public transit by signing its petition for a government commitment to increased investment and expansion of national public transportation

On Get on Board Day, more than 20 participating cities and transit agencies will offer free rides or pre-loaded transit fare cards to riders. Other Get on Board Day activities vary by state.

More Management

2026 LITLA Class
Managementby StaffFebruary 16, 2026

LIT Announces the 2026 Leadership Academy Class

Curated and facilitated by transportation industry leaders, LITLA provides a high-quality, structured learning experience that combines theoretical knowledge, professional networking, and practical leadership application.

Read More →
Cover photo for METROspectives with WSP USA's Inez Evans Benson
Managementby Alex RomanFebruary 16, 2026

WSP's Inez Evans-Benson on Customer Satisfaction and the Customer Experience

Drawing on decades of industry experience, Evans-Benson offered insights into the differences between the two, along with tips for better customer engagement and more.

Read More →
Portrait of Joshua Schank, Ph.D., alongside the ACES Mobility Coalition logo.
Managementby StaffFebruary 16, 2026

ACES Mobility Coalition Selects Joshua Schank as New Executive Director

Veteran transportation innovator to lead coalition as it pushes nationwide expansion of shared autonomous mobility.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A Parsons & Sons bus
Motorcoachby Staff and News ReportsFebruary 12, 2026

Parsons & Sons Named METRO’s 2026 Motorcoach Operator of the Year

METRO Executive Editor Alex Roman presented the award to the operation’s President/CEO Scott Parsons at the United Motorcoach Association’s EXPO in Birmingham, Alabama.

Read More →
The ONE Transit Board wearing newly branded hats.
Managementby StaffFebruary 12, 2026

Central Oklahoma RTA Approves New Name, Branding

The brand strategy was developed based on input from RTA board members, staff, and stakeholders, along with secondary research conducted over a months-long process.

Read More →
Fans riding VTA for Super Bowl LX.
Managementby StaffFebruary 10, 2026

VTA Delivers Record Super Bowl LX Ridership

In close coordination with regional partners including Caltrain and BART, the agency ensured convenient interagency connections and seamless transfers for game-day passengers.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A BART railcar
ManagementFebruary 9, 2026

BART Details Contingency Plans Without Funding

Because rail has high fixed costs and low marginal savings, it is impossible to close the projected FY27 $376M deficit with service cuts and fare increases alone, said agency officials.

Read More →
A picture of C-TRAN's electric bus.
Managementby StaffFebruary 6, 2026

C-TRAN Sees Fourth Consecutive Year of Ridership Growth

The total ridership includes all fixed-route bus service, C-VAN paratransit service, The Current, Vanpool, and special event service. Almost all individual routes saw year-over-year increases from 2024 to 2025.

Read More →
A woman pushes a man in a wheelchair on a rail platform.
Managementby Elora HaynesFebruary 5, 2026

Free Rides, Civil Rights, and the Legacy of Rosa Parks in 2026

Transit agencies across the U.S. commemorated Transit Equity Day with zero fares and a renewed focus on access and equity.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Rendering of Sound Transit's Renton Transit Center
Busby StaffFebruary 5, 2026

Seattle’s Sound Transit Breaks Ground on New Transit Center

The Renton Transit Center project will relocate and rebuild the Renton Transit Center to better serve the regional Stride S1 line, local King County Metro services, and the future RapidRide I Line.

Read More →