As the future of public transit in the U.S. sparks more and more conversations, Hitachi Rail’s “Better Connected” report offers new insights into the public view of transit services.

The company found that 57% of Americans favor increased public transit funding, nearly triple who oppose it. The findings come at a critical moment as transportation leaders from across the country gather to discuss the future of rail in America.

Hitachi Rail will be hitting the stage alongside these leaders at the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Rail Conference in San Francisco from June 29 through July 2 to share insights from the report. At Booth #501 during the conference, Hitachi Rail will showcase its rail solutions and help attendees understand their vision for better transit in the U.S.

“The overwhelming support for increased public transit funding, which was revealed in our ‘Better Connected’ report, highlights a clear mandate for investment,” said Joseph Pozza, president of Hitachi Rail U.S.

“As we head to the APTA Rail Conference, Hitachi Rail is eager to engage with industry leaders to discuss how we can collectively leverage this support to build a more efficient, equitable, and sustainable transportation future. We are committed to partnering with U.S. communities to deliver innovative solutions that meet their evolving needs,” Pozza said.

Hitachi Rail Survey Reveals Top Transit Priorities

Over 11,000 people across North America and Europe were surveyed for the report, highlighting what today’s riders value most, which, according to a company statement, is safety, affordability, and seamless connectivity.

“These aren’t just preferences – they’re priorities that transit systems must deliver on to earn trust and grow ridership,” the company said in a statement.

With the majority of the global population being housed in cities, the public is more aware of changes that need to be made to transit services.

The report showed that while only 34% of D.C. residents commute by public transportation, factors like faster journeys, convenient schedules, and affordability are key motivators for increased usage. Current deterrents like inconvenience, safety concerns, and overcrowding hinder increased public adoption.

Conference attendees will hear from experts like Marco Resta, a systems design manager, and Rudy Rochefort, vice president, technical, at Hitachi Rail, who will share Hitachi Rail’s vision throughout the conference.

“The ‘Better Connected’ report provides valuable insights into the evolving transportation needs of Americans, and it’s particularly relevant as we gather at the APTA Rail Conference to discuss the future of rail,” Rochefort said.

“To meet the growing demand for efficient and reliable public transportation, we need innovative solutions like integrated train control systems, which are crucial for optimizing performance and ensuring a seamless passenger experience on both street-level and underground light rail. By investing in these technologies, we can build a transit system that truly serves the needs of our communities,” Rochefort said.

To read the full “Better Connected” report and for more information on Hitachi Rail’s commitment to sustainable mobility in the U.S., please visit the Hitachi Rail website.