MISSOURI PUBLIC TRANSIT ASSOCIATION
PUBLIC TRANSIT - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Public transportation includes all multiple occupancy vehicle services designed to transport customers on local and regional routes. These services include: private and public buses; trolleybuses; vanpools; jitneys; demand response services; heavy and light rail; commuter rail; automated guideway transit; inclined plane; cable cars; monorails; tramways; and ferryboats. How Large is the Public Transportation as an Industry? In 2000, America's public transportation systems employed 350,000 workers to operate, maintain and manage all modes of transit. A full 50% of this workforce serve as operators or conductors. In addition, 10,000-20,000 professionals work under contract to public transportation systems or are employed by companies and government offices that support these systems. The public transportation fleet is comprised of 129,000 vehicles in active service with the majority (58%) being buses. How Many Public Transportation Providers Are There? There are approximately 6,000 public transportation systems operating in the United States and Canada, with the majority of these agencies operating more than one type of service. Many agencies typically contract additional services with private operators, further increasing the number of total public transportation providers. How Much Energy Does Public Transportation Use - and Save? In 1999, public transportation vehicles used 856 million gallons of fossil fuels and 5.2 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity - which is less than 1% of all energy consumed in the U.S. Among fossil fuels, diesel ranks first and is used primarily by buses, but vehicles also use gasoline, compressed natural gas, propane, and liquefied natural gas. Most electricity (65%) is consumed by heavy rail vehicles, as well as commuter rail (25%) and light rail (8%). Who Uses Public Transportation? Public transportation customers are diverse: People age 65 or older represent 7% of riders; 18 years and younger, 10%; women, 52%; White, 45%; African-American, 31%; Hispanic, 18%; and Asian and Native Americans, 6%. In 2000, Americans took 9.4 billion trips using public transportation, an increase of 3.5% from the previous year - the equivalent of more than one million new trips each day. During the same year, ridership grew twice as fast as the U.S. population and outpaced growth in other travel modes. An estimated 14 million Americans ride public transportation each weekday and an additional 25 million use it on a less frequent but regular basis. Where Do People Go on Public Transportation? Work is the most popular destination, with 54% of all trips ending at workplaces. However, people use public transportation for a variety of reasons: Work: 54% School and educational activities: 15% Shopping: 9% Social visits with family and friends: 9% Medical appointments: 5.5% Public transportation creates a wealth of new opportunities for individuals and communities. It is a catalyst for economic and social opportunities that help make America more efficient and productive. Public Transportation Provides Economic Opportunities A transit coalition report, "Dollars and Sense: The Economic Case for Public Transportation in America," found that every dollar taxpayers invest in public transportation generates $6 or more in economic returns. Transit capital investment is a significant source of job creation. Economic studies show that 314 jobs are created for each $10 million invested in transit capital funding and more than 570 jobs are created for each $10 million invested in the short run. A $10 million investment in public transportation results in a $30 million gain in sales for local businesses (3 times the public sector investment in transit capital). For every $10 million invested in public transportation, more than $15 million is saved in transportation costs to both highway and transit users. Business output is positively affected by transit investment. A sustained program of transit capital investment will generate an increase of $2 million in business output. After 20 years, these benefits increase to $31 million. On average, a typical state/local government could realize a 4%-16% gain in revenues due to the increases in income and employment generated by investments in transit. Public Transportation Enhances Personal Opportunities American families spent 18% of household spending on transportation, making it the second largest household expenditure after housing. Public transportation can significantly reduce the amount of money a family spends getting to work, school and other activities. The high cost of driving, insuring and parking a car results in a reduction in individual economic opportunities. It can make it hard for many to access high quality and high paying jobs. Public transportation provides an affordable, and for many, necessary alternative to driving. A sustained program of transit capital investment will generate an increase of $800,000 in personal income for each $10 million in the first year. After 20 years, these benefits increase to $18 million for personal income. Public Transportation Expands Community Opportunities Each year, public transportation systems across the country engage in community-based activities to introduce new riders to the system and say thank you to their employees, customers and communities Public transportation systems work to become part of community residents' culture and lifestyle. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority hosted a "late night concert" in Washington's Adams Morgan neighborhood to promote its new late night weekend service and the new Metrobus shuttle that serves the area. Public transportation systems take an active role in promoting community issues. As part of its "Try Transit Week" celebration, the Annapolis, Maryland, transit system invited "McGruff," the crime fighting dog, and "Sparky," the fire dog, to join Annapolis police and firefighters on board a transit bus. Other public transportation systems throughout North America have sponsored "Try Transit Weeks" with promotional events that have included: Giveaways and prize drawings available to bus riders in Riverside, California An expanded multi-media marketing campaign to promote Connecticut's statewide toll-free transit information number Ten-cent rides to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Santa Clarita Transit system in California "Try Transit Festival" and "Customer Appreciation Day" celebrations at New Jersey Transit rail stations and bus terminals sponsored by the New Jersey Transit Corporation Three days of free rides, specially-designed T-shirts for drivers, and refreshments for riders in Owensboro, Kentucky A week of special events in Springfield, Missouri, including free rides and refreshments, and finger-painting for children Special promotions from the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority in Canton, Ohio, including discounted fares for senior citizens, special fares for two riders traveling together, lunches for the public, and a children's essay contest Free "Dash About" shuttle service and other promotional activities sponsored by the Alexandria Transit Company in Virginia Public transportation makes it possible for millions of people to access work, school, medical appointments and other everyday activities. It also provides access to new opportunities by fostering communities where people can drive less and walk more, by providing greater access to community events, and by meeting the needs of all citizens, particularly those who do not drive. Public Transportation Helps People Get Where They Need to Go Every Day Every weekday, public transportation takes an estimated 14 million people where they need to go. Work is the most popular destination, with 54% of all trips ending at workplaces. Next, 15% of trips go to schools; 9% to shop; 9% to social visits; and 5.5% to medical appointments. Public transportation provides valuable options for suburban commuters who work in the city. In fact, the average annual income of rail commuters is more than $50,000, and most own two cars. Public transportation is a key force in moving former welfare recipients into the workforce as permanent wage earners. APTA's 1999 Access to Work Best Practices Survey revealed that an estimated 94% of welfare recipients attempting to move into the workforce rely on public transportation. Under the current $75 million federal "Access To Jobs" initiative, public transportation systems around the nation work with state and local agencies to identify and assess mobility needs and to improve employment accessibility. These new and expanded services will provide access to jobs for 8 million households without a car. Public Transportation Helps All Community Members Stay Active, Mobile and Involved Public transportation customers are diverse: People age 65 or older represent 7% of riders 18 years and younger, 10%; women, 52%; White, 45%; African-American, 31%; Hispanic, 18%; and Asian and Native Americans, 6%. 83% of older persons surveyed by AARP state that they want to remain independent as they age. Without public transportation, many seniors would be unable to move around the community to visit friends, get groceries or see the doctor. Printing large type and Braille maps and guides, providing reduced fares, and offering door-to-door van service allows those who are unable to drive to easily reach transit stations. Two-thirds of U.S. public transportation agencies provide service designed to meet the needs of senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Public Transportation Provides Access to More Events and Activities, Creating Stronger Community Bonds Public transportation makes it possible for people to live in all types of areas, including urban downtown areas, without owning a vehicle. Public transportation helps to preserve open spaces, enhancing a community's appearance while conserving recreational places where families spend time together. Public transportation provides convenient service to popular family and community activities, such as concerts and sporting events. Public transportation allows for the creation of "pedestrian-only" zones and other open spaces for community residents to enjoy and share. It means less noise and fewer cars traveling through pedestrian neighborhoods. Public transportation is an essential part of a balanced transportation system that includes buses, trains, walkways, bicycle paths, air service and highways. Every day transit allows Americans from every walk of life to make decisions that improve the quality of their lives, such as shortening commute times to spend more time with their families, doing their part to improve air quality, or avoiding dangerous driving situations. Public Transportation Reduces Traffic Congestion and Lessens Commute Time Drivers in one-third of U.S. cities studied by the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) spent more than 40 hours a year - an entire work week - in traffic that was stopped dead. In one half of the 68 cities studied by TTI, drivers spent at least half as much time in traffic as they did on vacation each year. Traffic isn't a problem just in big cities. Roads and highways in small-to-medium size cities as well as larger metropolitan areas are jammed across the nation. Building more roads isn't always the answer to this growing problem. Each of the cities in the TTI study would require an average of 37 more lane miles to keep pace with just one year of increased traffic demand. Public transportation takes drivers off the road and eases congestion for everyone. It also offers drivers a reliable, inexpensive and efficient transportation option. Recent public opinion polls sponsored by the Transit Cooperative Research Program suggest that 57% of people do not feel their commute will get better over the next three years, and nearly a quarter (24%) feel they will spend more time commuting. Public transportation offers a choice to Americans concerned about increasing commute times. Public Transportation Allows People to Walk More, Stress Less Walking more every day - even if it is the short distance to the bus stop - is good for a person's overall health. Using public transportation can eliminate the stress of driving in over-crowded, aggressive and even dangerous conditions. Stress is often a factor in a myriad of health problems. Public Transportation Helps People Breath Easier Every year, public transportation prevents the emission of more than 126 million pounds of hydrocarbons, which cause smog, and 156 million pounds of nitrogen oxides, which can cause respiratory illness. Taking public transit to work every day instead of driving alone eliminates 3,300 pounds of vehicle exhaust emissions and pollutants every year. In 1999, public transportation vehicles used nearly 856 million gallons of fossil fuels and 5.2 billion kilowatt hours of electricity - less than 1% of all energy consumed in the U.S. Public Transportation Helps People Avoid Dangerous Situations Each year an estimated 284,000 distracted drivers are involved in serious accidents, according to the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center. Public transportation offers drivers distracted by things such as cell phones, radio, and passengers with a reliable transportation option when they do not feel they can drive. Alcohol-related traffic deaths are on the rise. In 2000, 16,653 people were killed in accidents involving alcohol, representing 40% of the 41,821 people killed in all traffic crashes (according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). Public transportation helps to keep dangerous drivers off the road by providing a needed transportation choice. Aggressive driving has steadily increased by 7% every year since 1990, according to the American Automobile Association's Foundation for Traffic Safety. It is also a steadily growing concern. In a 2000 Highway Traffic Safety Administration study of 6000 drivers, 62% said the behavior of another driver has been a threat to them in the last year. Public transportation gives drivers concerned about aggressive driving access to other forms of transportation. Public transportation provides Americans with freedom to live their lives, pursue opportunities, make choices, and enjoy greater access and mobility. It helps create neighborhoods that are strong, an environment that is clean, and an economy that is prosperous. Ensuring this freedom requires safety and security. That is why every public transportation system in American has made the safety and security of passengers a top priority. Public Transportation Gives People the Freedom to Go Wherever Life Takes Them Public transportation use has increased 21% since 1995. In 2000, Americans took 9.4 billion trips using public transportation, an increase of 3.5% from the previous year - the equivalent of more than one million new trips each day. During the same year, ridership grew twice as fast as the U.S. population and outpaced growth in other travel modes, including roads and airports. An estimated 14 million Americans ride public transportation each weekday and an additional 25 million use it on a less frequent but regular basis. Public Transportation Provides the Freedom to Live and Work in Strong, Safe and Clean Communities Public transportation helps people to create communities with strong job markets, thriving local businesses and expanding economies. It provides communities with new freedom in planning for future growth. Public transportation fosters community pride and spirit. People who take public transportation walk to the bus stop together. They get to know each other face-to-face on the train and they establish stronger ties to the community. Public transportation leads to cleaner air for everyone to breathe and fosters healthy habits and choices. Public Transportation is Focused on Maintaining Freedom by Providing Security Every major public transportation authority has comprehensive emergency plans in place. Public transportation employees receive routine disaster and emergency training and work closely with fire and rescue crews, police and sheriff's departments, and local power companies. Most large transit systems have their own specially trained police forces. For nearly 20 years, APTA's safety programs and related safety management audits have been helping America's public transportation systems institute security and safety precautions and plan for unpredictable crises. During 1999 - 2000, a record 53 public transportation systems participated in the rail, commuter rail or bus safety audit programs offered by APTA. These comprehensive programs examine all areas of operation to ensure the safety of passengers. The Federal Transit Administration and the Department of Transportation's (DOT) Office of Intelligence and Security work hand in hand with APTA on coordinating all of its safety programs and safety management audits. Public Transportation is Ready to Protect Freedoms by Responding to New Challenges To ensure that federal, state and local agencies are coordinating efforts to increase security and prepare for emergencies, U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta created the National Infrastructure Security Committee (NISC). The Committee brings together the transportation industry, labor unions and the government to examine current security systems, set national standards, and ensure a high level of protection for all transportation assets. Some major public transportation systems, including those in Washington, DC and Boston, are preparing to sound the first alert on bio-terrorist attacks or chemical accidents by readying state of the art scanners and detectors for their systems. After September 11, 2001, public transportation systems responded immediately to protect riders by instituting critical safety measures, making security personnel more visible, and removing trash receptacles where potentially dangerous packages could be hidden. Public Transportation is Vital to America's Safety and Defense On September 11, 2001 and the days that followed, public transportation in America showed that it is ready to assist when a crisis strikes a community. This isn't the first time public transportation has lent a helping hand in times of crisis. Public transportation has proven time and again that it is a vital resource for everyone in the community and a critical part of America's national defense and our country's freedom. Below are some recent examples of how public transportation has responded to crises: September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks New York: The Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) train system in New York, which ran under the World Trade Center complex, put in place an emergency response plan on the morning of September 11. This plan helped evacuate passengers from the complex and saved thousands of lives with no reported injuries. Public transportation was also used to transport rescue workers quickly and efficiently. Similar responses by the New York MTA services also saved lives. Washington, DC: Public transportation systems provided buses to transport to area hospitals those injured at the attack on the Pentagon. The Metrorail system operated at rush hour levels all day, transporting people out of downtown and away from areas near the Pentagon. Nationwide: When air service was suspended, transit systems throughout the country evacuated people from airports in major cities, including San Francisco, CA, Portland, OR, Denver, CO, Chicago, IL, St. Louis, MO, Atlanta, GA, Little Rock, AR and Boston, MA. Hurricane Floyd - Local transit systems across North Carolina offered direct assistance to the victims of Hurricane Floyd in September 1999 by evacuating and rescuing hundreds of residents during and after the hurricane. Michigan Gas Explosion - In November 1999, the Mass Transportation Authority of Flint, Michigan successfully evacuated residents and employees of a senior citizens housing complex after a gas explosion destroyed the facility. Calgary Oil Plant Fire - In August 1999, Calgary Transit provided immediate and vital assistance to evacuate residents of southeast Calgary when a nearby oil recycling plant was consumed by fire after more than 40 explosions erupted at the site. Volusia County Wildfires - In 1998, public transportation provided invaluable service in the Daytona Beach, Florida area when parts of Volusia County were ravaged by wildfires. Public transportation vehicles operated around the clock to transport firefighters to the site of the wildfires; to evacuate nursing homes, adult day care facilities, and hospitals; and to bring out-of-town firefighters from the airport. While transit clearly benefits those who use it, even larger benefits accrue to all citizens in the form of economic development, reduced congestion, more livable communities and cleaner air. Stimulates Economic Development A transit coalition report, "Dollars and Sense: The Economic Case for Public Transportation in America," found that every dollar taxpayers invest in public transportation generates $6 or more in economic returns. Every $10 million in capital investment in public transportation yields $30 million in increased sales. Every $10 million in operating investment yields $32 million in increased sales. Saves Money It's more cost efficient to use public transportation, particularly in business and urban areas. For every $10 million invested in public transportation, more than $15 million is saved in transportation costs to both highway and public transportation users. According to the American Automobile Association, the estimated cost of driving a single-occupant vehicle is between $4,826 (for a small car) and $9,685 (for a large car), depending upon mileage. By contrast, the annual average cost for public transportation for one adult ranges from $200 to $2,000, depending upon mileage, time of day, type of vehicle or service. Creates Jobs In addition to the 350,000 people directly employed by public transportation systems, thousands of others are employed in related support services (i.e., engineering, manufacturing, construction, retail, etc.).For every $10 million invested in capital projects for public transportation, more than 300 jobs are created and a $30 million gain in sales for business is realized. Gets People to Work Public transportation is key to moving former welfare recipients into the workforce as permanent wage earners. An estimated 94% of welfare recipients attempting to move into the workforce do not own cars and rely on public transportation. The current $75 million federal "Access To Jobs" initiative provides grants to transit service providers to help low-income residents get to work by providing transportation choices. Another $500 million for these programs is guaranteed by law for a five-year period. Public transportation provides valuable options for suburban commuters who work in the city. In fact, the average annual income of rail commuters is more than $50,000 and most own two cars. Eases Traffic Congestion Nearly half of all Americans believe traffic is a serious problem where they live. Most (57%) do not feel their commute will improve over the next three years, and nearly a quarter expect to spend more time commuting. According to the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI), car drivers spent more than 40 hours last year stuck in traffic in one-third of the cities studied. Half the drivers spent the same amount of time stuck in traffic as they did on vacation, according to the same TTI study. These findings apply to small, medium and large cities. Public transportation helps to alleviate our nation's crowded network of roads by providing transportation choices. Without transportation choices, there would be 64,413 more cars on the road in New Orleans, 167,061 more cars on San Diego roads, and 2,610,280 more cars on New York City roads, according to the Sierra Club. In Portland, Oregon, a study by the Sierra Club showed that when more transportation options are offered, people use their cars less, thereby cutting traffic by 6% and traffic delays by 66%. Fosters More Livable Communities Public transportation facilities and corridors are natural focal points for economic and social activities. These activities help create strong neighborhood centers that are more economically stable, safe and productive. Studies have shown that the ability to travel in an area conveniently, without a car, is an important component of a community's livability. Public transportation provides opportunity, access, choice and freedom, all of which contribute to improved quality of life. For example, Salt Lake City's new TRAX system has achieved nearly 20,000 daily riders since 1999 (41% of whom are new to transit), thereby helping to revitalize the downtown area by attracting new businesses, a community center, ice-skating rink and amphitheater. Boosts Real Estate Values Public transportation fuels local development and in turn has a positive impact on local property values. Studies have shown greater increases in the value of properties located near public transportation systems than in similar properties not located near public transportation. Improves Air Quality Public transportation helps promote cleaner air by reducing automobile use, which can exacerbate smog and public health problems. Each year, public transportation use avoids the emission of more than 126 million pounds of hydrocarbons, a primary cause of smog, and 156 million pounds of nitrogen oxides, which can cause respiratory disease. For each mile traveled, fewer pollutants are emitted by transit vehicles than by a single-passenger automobile. (Buses emit 80% less carbon monoxide than a car; rail, almost none.) According to the Sierra Club, 7 of the 12 cities with the highest grades for low car and truck smog per person (New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento and Washington, DC) are located in the states that spend the most on clean transportation choices, demonstrating the power of public transit as a tool to combat air pollution. Reduces Energy Consumption Public transportation can significantly reduce dependency on gasoline, reducing auto fuel consumption by 1.5 billion gallons annually. For example, a person who commutes 60 miles each way daily could save an estimated 1,888 gallons of gasoline every year by switching from using a car to using public transportation. Many U.S. transit systems are continuing to invest in compressed natural gas, low-sulfur burning buses or diesel-electric hybrid buses. Ensures Safety Public transportation continues to be one of the safest modes of travel in the United States. Riding a transit bus is 91 times safer than car travel. By train, passengers are 15 times safer. Every major public transportation system participates in annual safety audit programs that examine all areas of operation. Transit vehicle operators are highly trained to anticipate and avoid problems. Most transit vehicles are larger, newer and more substantial than autos or vans. Enhances Mobility During Emergencies During many types of crises, both natural and man-made, people rely on public transportation. On September 11, 2001, the New York-New Jersey Port Authority transit systems moved people safely away from the World Trade Center disaster. Public transportation systems have operated around the clock to transport firefighters to the sites of wildfires; to evacuate nursing homes and hospitals; to move people to safety during storms; and to bring out-of-town police and rescue workers from airports. Who Pays For Public Transportation? Public transportation is funded through two main sources: capital funds and operating fees. Capital funds finance infrastructure needs such as new construction and rehabilitation of existing facilities. The federal government contributes 44% of these funds, but this portion can be as high as 80% for some projects. The balance is made up of a combination of state and local government funds, with states contributing 10% and local governments, 13%. In 1999, public transportation received a total of $9 billion in capital funds from all sources. Operating funds provide income for operating expenses. Approximately 74% of these funds come from local sources. Passenger fares comprise 37%; local governments, 20%; and non-government agencies and taxes, tolls and fees, 16%. State and federal governments contribute 22% and 4% respectively. In 1999, an adult passenger paid an average of $1.09 per base fare. How Much Does Government Contribute in Total? In fiscal year 2002, the fifth year of funding under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), the federal government will invest $6.7 billion in public transportation. Total public expenditures (federal, state and local) to operate, maintain and invest in public transit systems in the United States have totaled $15.4 billion each year for the past four years. How is the Money Spent? For 1999 capital expenses: facilities cost 52%; vehicles, 36%; and equipment and services, 12%. Of these categories, heavy rail expenses accounted for 30%; bus, 36%; commuter rail, 18%, and light rail, 11%. For 1999 operating expenses: salaries and wages cost 46%; benefits, 26%; purchased transportation, 12%; and fuel and supplies, 9%. Services, utilities, insurance and other costs make up the balance. In 1999, public transportation spent $20.5 billion on operating expenses. Why is More Funding Necessary? Public transportation usage is expected to experience the sharpest growth of any form of transportation this decade. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) reports that improvements to transit bus and rail facilities are not keeping up with the strain placed on systems by increased ridership. ASCE says public transportation spending must increase by 41% just to maintain current conditions. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, in today's dollars, $17 billion in capital investment is needed annually to maintain and improve performance of the nation's transit systems.