news APTA delivers State of the Transit Industry

[East New York]

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) President/CEO Michael Melaniphy examines the needs and trends facing the public transportation industry in his 2012: State of the Public Transportation Industry article published in the January 16, 2012 Passenger Transport issue.

 

Melaniphy pointed out that more and more people are pro-transit, as evidenced by the overwhelming support for public transportation ballot initiatives since 2000.

 

“Americans believe in public transportation and want to invest in it — both Democrats and Republicans alike,” said Melaniphy. “What is significant is that more people now understand and embrace the importance of public transportation.”

 

In the "2012: State of the Public Transportation Industry," Melaniphy addressed the significant amount of investment that is required to address the backlog of capital needs ($78 billion) and to meet growing demand ($60 billion annually). He also referred to a 2011 APTA report that surveyed the recession’s impact upon the business members. The results were sobering — 74% of the respondents had incurred flat or declining business in the previous year.

 

Melaniphy noted that many public transportation systems and private sector businesses were hit hard by the economic recession, but there were signs that the economy improved in 2011.

 

“Despite severe financial challenges, public transit ridership rose for the first three reported quarters in a row in 2011 — for the first time in three years,” said Melaniphy. “Perhaps public transportation, as a lagging indicator, is showing that the economy is starting to come back — nearly 60 percent of the trips on public transportation are taken for work commutes.”

 

Long-term trends such as a growing population, transit-oriented development, the aging of America, and the interest in public transportation and the environment by younger generations all signal that demand will grow for public transportation in the future. Along with these trends, the increased use of technology by public transit systems is making riding on a bus or train more attractive.

 

“Technology is taking public transportation to the next level,” said Melaniphy. “Technology is demystifying and transforming the rider experience…. No one has to wonder when the next bus or train will arrive.....”

 

Read the full story @ APTA: State of the public transportation industry - News - METRO Magazine

 

 

To read the 2012: State of the Public Transportation Industry go to: Passenger Transport - 01/13/2012