METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Report: Most urban jobs near transit, most workers not

Some three quarters of all jobs in the nation’s 100 largest metropolitan areas are in neighborhoods with transit service, but only about a quarter of the workforce is able to get to their jobs in less than 90 minutes via mass transit.

July 11, 2012
Report: Most urban jobs near transit, most workers not

Photo courtesy MTA, Patrick Cashin.

1 min to read


Photo courtesy MTA, Patrick Cashin.

NEW YORK CITY — Most urban jobs are near some sort of mass transit stop but most workers face impractically difficult commutes via public transportation, a consequence of the suburbanization of both jobs and people, according to a report by the Brookings Institution.

Some three quarters of all jobs in the nation’s 100 largest metropolitan areas are in neighborhoods with transit service, but only about a quarter of the workforce is able to get to their jobs in less than 90 minutes via mass transit, according to the Wall Street Journal. The Salt Lake City metropolitan region has the nation's highest access to transit, with 61% (Worker Access to Transit in the Suburbs).

Ad Loading...

To read the full story, click here.

For additional reporting from the Huffington Post, click here.

More Bus

A Nova LFSe+ electric bus for STM
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsJune 18, 2026

Biz Briefs: Montréal Debuts Nova Electric Buses and More

In this edition of Biz Briefs, we spotlight the latest developments shaping the future of mobility.

Read More →
Zero-emissions bus with FLEETWATCH technology
ManagementJune 17, 2026

The Hidden Cost of Fuel Data Inaccuracy in Public Transit Fleets

In today's transit environment, accurate fuel and mileage data are critical to reducing costs, minimizing downtime, and improving fleet performance.

Read More →
Six-Year Plan Boosts Virginia Transit, Rail Investments
Managementby StaffJune 17, 2026

Virginia's $28.5B Transportation Plan Targets Transit and Rail

Approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the program supports ongoing infrastructure projects while providing new investments in transit, state of good repair and transportation alternatives.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Group announcing BUSES Act
Motorcoachby StaffJune 16, 2026

Bipartisan BUSES Act Seeks Changes to New York City's Bus Idling Enforcement Program

Backed by motorcoach operators, the legislation seeks to balance emissions goals with passenger safety by allowing limited idling for inspections, accessibility needs and extreme weather conditions.

Read More →
An LA Metro D Line train in Union Station
Managementby StaffJune 16, 2026

D Line Expansion Fuels Growth Across LA Metro's Rail System

Weekend rail ridership was especially strong, soaring 18% as riders embraced expanded access to jobs, entertainment, dining, and cultural destinations, said the agency. Total system ridership for May, including bus and rail, was 26,966,657.

Read More →
An ENC bus being manufactured in its facility.
Busby StaffJune 10, 2026

ENC to Deliver Three Clean Diesel Buses to Canada's York Region Transit

Since 2005, City View and ENC have supplied nearly 90 E-Z Rider II buses to YRT.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Frontrunner's new facility in Billerica, Massachusetts.
Busby StaffJune 8, 2026

Frontrunner Bus Group Expands with New Massachusetts Headquarters

The significantly larger facility will provide the infrastructure needed to support the company’s growing workforce, advanced technologies, and expanding product line.

Read More →
New MobilityJune 5, 2026

Joshua Schank on Transportation Innovation, Risk, and the Future of Mobility

In this edition of METROspectives, Joshua Schank discusses lessons from launching LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, the challenges of advancing new mobility technologies, and much more.

Read More →
A maintenance person with a tablet.
ManagementJune 5, 2026

Reinventing Fleet Maintenance with Real-time Visibility and AI

Transit leaders need to know what needs fixing, where to look, who is responsible, when work is completed, and what it costs without having to chase information across disconnected systems.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SamTrans planning for ballot measure
Managementby StaffJune 4, 2026

SamTrans Sets Priorities for Potential Connect Bay Area Revenue

The board-approved framework allocates future funding to maintaining service, rider improvements, equity initiatives, and infrastructure repairs.

Read More →