METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Bay Area public transportation usage decreasing

With more people riding Bay Area Rapid Transit and Caltrain rail lines and fewer using Bay Area buses, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission is unable to explain why the trend is occurring, however, service cuts and sprawling growth in suburban areas were cited as possible factors.

February 6, 2015
Bay Area public transportation usage decreasing

lensovet

1 min to read


lensovet

SAN FRANCISCO — KPIX 5 reported that the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) found there has been a 3% overall transit ridership increase over the past two decades, but a 14% decline in per capita transit ridership, during that same time in the Bay Area. When factoring in population growth, the numbers are believed to show the region is becoming less dependent on public transit.

With more people riding Bay Area Rapid Transit and Caltrain rail lines and fewer using Bay Area buses, the MTC is unable to explain why the trend is occurring, however, service cuts and sprawling growth in suburban areas were cited as possible factors.

Ad Loading...

One solution mentioned by a local transportation consulting company is finding ways to provide transportation options for the first and last mile of people’s commute. For the full story, click here.


More New Mobility

An OCTA ZEB
Technologyby Alex RomanJuly 31, 2026

Biz Briefs: OCTA Taps Clean Energy for Hydrogen Station, Stadler to Supply Via Rail Vehicles, and More

From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.

Read More →
A CharterUP branded Holon AV
New Mobilityby Alex RomanJuly 31, 2026

CharterUP Expands Into New Mobility and Autonomous Transportation

Vice President of New Mobility Stephen Joos discusses how CharterUP is leveraging its nationwide transportation network, technology platform, and autonomous vehicle partnerships to expand into workforce mobility, campus shuttles, and transit solutions.

Read More →
Driving Change: Award Winners Redefine Industry Standards
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsJuly 29, 2026

METRO Magazine Announces 2026 Innovative Solutions Awards Winners

Projects Recognized for Advancing Mobility Through Technology, Accessibility, Workforce Innovation, and Operational Excellence

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A photo of an Amtrak train with a logo
Managementby Alex RomanJuly 24, 2026

Biz Briefs: STV teams with Amtrak, Motorcoach Operators Boost Fleet and Land Contracts, and More

From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.

Read More →
A rider validating a tap payment on a Masabi validator.
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsJuly 17, 2026

Biz Briefs: Masabi Teams with St. Louis Metro and More

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Transdev, Hitachi, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.

Read More →
A Freebee microtransit van in Miami with text reading "Microtransit as Part of the Network."
New Mobilityby Elora HaynesJuly 10, 2026

Microtransit's Next Test: Becoming Part of the Network

Freebee shows how electric microtransit is moving beyond pilots to fill network gaps, connect riders to transit, and prove lasting value.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Blue and white graphic with a professional portrait of Nathaniel P. Ford Sr.

Ford to Leave JTA After More Than 10 Years as CEO

He plans to continue his work advancing innovative mobility solutions to improve the quality of life in communities across the nation. He did not announce specific plans.

Read More →
JTA Celebrates One Year of NAVI Service, Demonstrating the Future of Autonomous Public Transportation
New Mobilityby StaffJune 30, 2026

Florida's JTA Marks One Year NAVI Anniversary

During its first year of operation, NAVI has transported over 15,200 passengers and traveled more than 61,000 miles in autonomous mode without a safety incident caused by the autonomous driving system.

Read More →
Passengers in crowded SEPTA station
Managementby StaffJune 29, 2026

SEPTA Board Approves FY2027 Budget Amid Funding Challenges

The spending plan represents an increase of just 1.9% over the current year and includes investments in new buses, additional full-length fare gates, and other customer enhancements.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Endera electric buses for California’s Mendocino Transit Authority
Technologyby StaffJune 25, 2026

Biz Briefs: Endera Delivers to California, Safety Vision Teams with San Antonio's VIA, and More

From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.

Read More →