METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

APTA's 'Transit Wrapped' Names Agencies with Top Ridership Gains

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Seattle’s King County Metro, and San Franciso Muni were the top three agencies in terms of ridership growth for agencies with 50 million or more annual trips, while GO Transit topped the list for Canadian agencies.

December 9, 2024
APTA's 'Transit Wrapped' Names Agencies with Top Ridership Gains

DC's WMATA showed a ridership growth of 20%, according to APTA's year-end report.

Photo: New Flyer

2 min to read


The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) released its “Transit Wrapped 2024” report, detailing the transit agencies with the largest ridership increases this year. 

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), Seattle’s King County Metro, and San Franciso Muni were the top three agencies in terms of ridership growth for agencies with 50 million or more annual trips, while Milwaukee’s MCTS (15 to 50 million annual trips); Jamaica, N.Y.’s AirTran JFK (three to 15 million annual trips); and Detroit People Mover (Under three million annual trips) topped the list in their respective categories. 

Ad Loading...

Meanwhile in Canada, Toronto’s GO Transit topped the list. 

Millions more people across America are riding public transportation in 2024! Check out the #transit systems with the largest ridership increases this year.#TransitWrapped2024pic.twitter.com/hpu0lbk6rl

— APTA (@APTA_info) December 4, 2024

APTA’s Transit Wrapped 2024 Lists

The complete top five lists as shared by APTA via X (formerly Twitter), include:

Systems with 50+ million annual riders

  • WMATA (Washington, DC) – 20%

  • King County Metro (King County, Washington) – 14%

  • San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (San Francisco) – 14%

  • Metropolitan Transit System (San Diego) – 13%

  • Chicago Transit Authority (Chicago) – 13%

Systems with between 15 and 50 million annual riders

  • Milwaukee County Transit System(Milwaukee, Wis.) – 28%

  • Montgomery County Transit (Montgomery County, Md.) – 20%

  • Capital District Transportation Authority (Albany, N.Y.) – 19%

  • Utah Transit Authority (Salt Lake City) – 17%

  • Pace Suburban Bus (South Holland, Ill.) – 15%

Ad Loading...

Systems with between three and 15 million annual riders

  • AirTran JFK (New Jersey and New York) – 31%

  • Stanislaus Regional Transit Authority (Modesto, Calif.) – 28%

  • Hampton Roads Transit (Hampton Roads, Va) – 26%

  • METRO Regional Transit Authority (Akron, Ohio) – 23%

  • Kitsap Transit (Kitsap County, Wash.) – 20%

Systems with fewer than three million annual riders

  • Detroit People Mover (Detroit) – 80%

  • Portage Area Regional Transit Authority (Portage County, Ohio) – 52%

  • Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (Marin and Sonoma counties, Calif.) – 32%

  • City of Las Cruces (Cruces, N.M.) – 31%

  • Transfort (Fort Collins, Colo.) – 29%

    APTA members in Canada saw more passengers getting on-board #transit in 2024! Check out the top five systems with the biggest jumps in ridership:
    1. @GOtransit ↗️32%
    2. @calgarytransit ↗️20%
    3. @CityofEdmonton ↗️16%
    4. @YRTViva ↗️16%
    5. @winnipegtransit ↗️12%#TransitWrapped2024pic.twitter.com/Y5xKIIKCXL

    — APTA (@APTA_info) December 6, 2024

    Top Canadian Agencies

    • GO Transit (Toronto) - 32%

    • Calgary Transit (Calgary) – 20%

    • Edmonton Transit Service (Edmonton) – 16%

    • York Region Transit (Richmond Hill, Ontario) – 16%

    • Winnipeg Transit (Winnipeg) – 12%

More Management

Terrel Smith with Kiel Seats

Terrel Smith Launches New TransitOne Venture, Focuses on Building Relationships

The company partners with manufacturers such as Kiel Seating, Camira Fabric, and TSI Video, focusing on areas that directly impact both passenger experience and operational performance.

Read More →
A group of people stand in the Harlem-148 Street 3 Station and pose during a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Managementby StaffMay 4, 2026

New Accessibility Upgrades Open at Harlem Subway Station

A new ADA-compliant ramp and station upgrades improve access, enhance the rider experience, and deliver millions in cost savings for the MTA.

Read More →
Erin Hockman
Managementby StaffMay 4, 2026

Iowa's DART Taps New CEO

Erin Hockman will officially assume the role on May 7, as current CEO Amanda Wanke departs to take a leadership position with Metro Transit in the Twin Cities.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Caltrain trains on tracks
Railby StaffMay 1, 2026

Caltrain Survey Shows Record-High Rider Approval

The survey showed that commute trips still make up the majority of ridership, with most riders boarding 2 to 3 days a week, reflecting hybrid work schedules. Two-thirds of Caltrain riders have access to a car, while 37% of Caltrain riders are considered low-income.

Read More →
A VIA bus
Busby StaffMay 1, 2026

San Antonio's VIA Launches Next Round of Bus Improvements

The changes are designed to reduce overall travel time, shorten wait times, and get customers to their destinations more quickly.

Read More →
A graphic of a map showing a "Snapshot of Systemwide Vulnerabilities (projected)."
Managementby News/Media ReleaseMay 1, 2026

MBTA Unveils First Systemwide Climate Resilience Roadmap

The plan outlines strategies to protect transit infrastructure from extreme weather, prioritize critical investments, and improve system reliability as climate risks intensify.

Read More →
Ad Loading...

People Movement: DART Names Interim Chief, Clean Energy Taps New President/CEO

In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at MCTS, Voith, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.

Read More →
A person working on a bus
ManagementMay 1, 2026

Data-Driven Maintenance: Focusing Effort Where It Matters Most

Advances in data and analytics are giving transit agencies new opportunities to refine maintenance practices, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions about asset performance.

Read More →
transit tracker connectpoint
Sponsoredby Alex RomanMay 1, 2026

Connectpoint Expands Digital Signage Strategy with LED Push

Connectpoint is enhancing its digital signage strategy by integrating LED technology into its services.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
frontrunner bus
SponsoredMay 1, 2026

ADA Compliant Transit: Easier, More Dignified Travel for Every Passenger

Today’s riders—and the communities you serve—expect more from public transit. While ADA compliance is required, leading transit agencies know that true accessibility also means delivering dignity, efficiency, and a better rider experience. This whitepaper reveals why forward thinking agencies nationwide choose the Low Floor Frontrunner as their first choice for ADA compliant vehicles—setting a new standard with passenger first design, faster boarding, improved safety, and unmatched operational performance.

Read More →