Mass Transit Ridership Rises With Gas Cost

[jpak]

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/nat-gen/2005/sep/27/092700205.html

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Commuter rail, bus and subway ridership has risen across the country with more people turning to public transportation amid skyrocketing gasoline prices, officials said Tuesday.

Transit authorities around the country are reporting increased ridership with higher revenue, more crowded rail cars and buses and more hits on their Web sites.

<snip>

If Americans used public transportation for roughly 10 percent of their daily travel needs, the U.S. would reduce its dependence on imported oil by more than 40 percent, or nearly the amount of oil the U.S. imports from Saudi Arabia each year, according to a 2002 APTA-commissioned study.

"Increased use of public transportation is the single most effective way to reduce America's energy consumption, and it does not require any new taxes, government mandates or regulations," said APTA president William Millar.

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[sbj405]

1. I haven't really noticed much difference on the DC Metro

And there have been no indications that traffic has lessened around here. Metro was reporting increased ridership after Katrina, but that also correlated with the kids returning to school.

[kestrel91316]

3. Rush hour traffic in my neighborhood of Lost Angeles is down noticeably

this year - it should have shown an increase with bock-to-school, but I guess the gas is getting too expensive for all those kids with nothing to do in their spare time to waste it cruising the streets for fun. YAY!!!!!!!!

[Coastie for Truth]

2. Jim Saklas (an UMTA engineer and a U of Md engineering prof)

Has postulated that transit ridership goes up with:

1. "Convenience" of ridership (which his PhD dissertation characterized as combination of adherence to schedules and time between trains/buses).

2. "Perception of Safety" (this would be absence of muggers, pan handlers, gangs - and according to Rudi Giuliani - absence of graffiti, spittle, etc.)

My wife adds:

1. Proximity to origin (and convenience of parking if necessary)

2. Proximity to destination.

I have certain rules - as a rule I try not drive in Chicago's "Loop", Center City Philadelphia, Manhattan, downtown Washington DC, San Francisco east of Van Ness Avenue.