The nation's public transportation infrastructure is declining due to inadequate funding, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). This year's ASCE Progress Report, an update to the organization's 2001 Report Card for America's Infrastructure, found that America's transit systems will receive a failing grade if the current trend continues. The 2001 Report Card graded transit's condition and performance as a C-. Aging facilities and fleets, increased demand for services and record-high levels of riders have created severe stress on America's transit systems. While public transportation funding has increased over the past few years, financial support has not kept pace with transit's increasing demand and popularity. According to the report, unless government spending at all levels increases by 362% -- to reach $43.9 billion -- physical conditions will continue to decline. With transit ridership at a 40-year high and growing faster than any other mode of transportation, the American Public Transportation Association recommends doubling the annual federal transit program to $14.3 billion by Fiscal Year 2009.
Report: Transit systems in decline, rated C-
Aging facilities and fleets, increased demand for services and record-high levels of riders have created severe stress on America's transit systems.
More Management

Alstom Delivers First Multilevel III NJ TRANSIT Commuter Railcar
The delivery marks the first car in a 374‑vehicle order and begins the arrival of a new generation of higher‑capacity, more reliable, and more comfortable trains for one of the country’s busiest commuter rail systems.
Read More →
Cincinnati Metro Begins Countywide Bus Stop Sign Upgrade
Metro launches a 24-month project to replace 3,700 bus stop signs, introducing improved visibility, QR-enabled rider info, and expanded amenities across Hamilton County.
Read More →
San Francisco's BART Breaks Multiple Records for Post-Pandemic Ridership in March
BART recorded 5,403,140 exits in March, making it the highest monthly ridership since the pandemic and surpassing the previous high set in October 2025 (5,346,890 exits).
Read More →
Transit Leader Rod Diridon Sr., ‘Father of Modern Transit’ in Silicon Valley, Dies at 87
See how the longtime public servant and transportation visionary helped shape Bay Area transit systems and championed rail development nationwide.
Read More →
Intercity Bus Industry Outlook: A Mix of Apprehension & Optimism
Industry leaders see both promise and peril ahead as intercity bus travel rebounds, but unpredictable market forces threaten to reshape the sector.
Read More →
Philadelphia's SEPTA Celebrates New Ardmore Station
The station was rebuilt as part of SEPTA’s Station Accessibility Program, making it fully ADA accessible with new elevators, ramps, and high-level platforms.
Read More →
SEPTA Releases Proposed $2.7B Fiscal Year 2027 Budget
The plan represents an increase of just 1.9% over the current year, and includes investments in new buses, more full-length fare gates, and other enhancements for customers.
Read More →
Metra Reaches New 10-Year Agreement with BNSF
The announcement highlights the long-standing partnership between the Class I railroad and the commuter rail system, dating back to Metra's creation in 1983.
Read More →
Bus Tech Talk: AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Leadership, Mentorship, and a Career in Transit
In Part 1, Blandon shares his journey from the U.S. Marines to a leadership role in public transit, along with insights on mentorship and professional growth within the industry.
Read More →
Last Chance: Be A Part of METRO's Annual Buyer’s Guide
The revamped Buyer’s Guide will reach METRO’s audience of more than 17,000 print and digital subscribers, providing suppliers with year-round visibility in front of transit agency leaders, motorcoach operators, and industry decision-makers across North America.
Read More →
