METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Transportation second highest cost for U.S. families

American families spend more than 19 cents out of every dollar earned on transportation.

August 8, 2003
1 min to read


A new report shows that transportation costs are second only to housing and greater than food and healthcare combined, with American families spending more than 19 cents out of every dollar earned on transportation. The report, titled Transportation Costs and the American Dream: Why a Lack of Transportation Choices Strains the Family Budget and Hinders Homeownership, authored by the Surface Transportation Policy Project, uses data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to rank metro areas according to the portion of household expenditures devoted to transportation. Transportation costs are highest in sprawling areas such as Tampa, Fla., Phoenix and Dallas, due to spread out development patterns, a lack of transportation choices and the absence of neighborhoods within walking distance of shops and schools. The report says that the nation's poorest families are especially hard hit, spending more than 40% of their take home pay just to get around. This number has risen 33% since 1992 and is making it more difficult for lower income families to afford housing, health care and other critical services. According to the report, shifting government priorities to increase public investment in public transit and improve existing assets to better accommodate more transportation choices can greatly reduce household costs of transportation. The full report is available online at www.transact.org/report.asp?id=224.

Topics:Management

More Management

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 →
A expanse of highway in Colorado with text reading "FMCSA Tightens Clearinghouse Verification to Strengthen Driver Records."
Managementby StaffApril 30, 2026

FMCSA Tightens Clearinghouse Verification to Strengthen Driver Records

New ID requirements for employers and service providers aim to improve data accuracy and oversight for motorcoach and commercial drivers.

Read More →
A snowy bridge construction staging zone.
Managementby StaffApril 30, 2026

USDOT Reboots Key Bridge Contract, Expands Infrastructure Funding Nationwide

Maryland to rebid major bridge contract as the Build America Bureau commits $20 million to accelerate project planning and public-private partnerships across 17 states.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Cover photo for Part 2 with Cecil Blandon
Managementby Alex RomanApril 30, 2026

Bus Tech Talk: Part 2 with AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon

In Part 2 of a two-part conversation, AC Transit’s director of maintenance joins co-hosts Alex Roman and Mark Hollenbeck to discuss his maintenance team’s work with various types of vehicle, training, augmented reality, and more.

Read More →