Transit is a crucial component of addressing climate change, promoting public health, and saving money. However, the current transportation policy in the United States has not adequately supported the growth and improvement of transit systems. While some progress has been made in increasing the number of buses and trains in operation, it is still not enough to meet the rising demand for more transportation options.
Recent data from the Center for Neighborhood Technology’s AllTransit tool reveals that a significant portion of the US population does not live within walking distance of transit. In fact, over half of the country’s population lacks access to any form of transit, let alone high-frequency options. This limited access to transportation hinders people’s ability to travel to their desired destinations effectively.
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing challenges faced by transit agencies, leading to service cuts and financial strain. Despite the essential role of transit in providing transportation for essential workers, many agencies struggled to maintain pre-pandemic service levels. The National Coalition for Transit Justice played a critical role in advocating for bipartisan relief funding, which helped prevent severe service cuts and ensured continued benefits to public health and the economy.
While some major transit agencies, such as those in New York and Washington DC, have managed to recover to near pre-pandemic service levels, others in states like Colorado, Michigan, and Pennsylvania are still lagging behind. The disparity in service levels across the country highlights the impact of funding and investment on transit recovery and ridership.
As transit agencies work towards recovery, they face challenges such as workforce shortages, inflation, and increased road construction costs. Despite these obstacles, ridership has been steadily increasing since the start of the pandemic, demonstrating the growing demand for transit services. Investing in transit not only benefits the environment and public health but also provides a cost-effective alternative to car ownership.
To fully realize the potential of transit and meet the increasing demand for transportation options, significant investment is needed. Bills like the Stronger Communities through Better Transit Act aim to bridge the funding gap and support the expansion and improvement of transit systems. Making informed decisions about the future of transportation, from local projects to federal policies, is crucial in shaping a sustainable and efficient transit network for all.
