Every segment of American society—-individuals, families, communities, and businesses—benefits from public transportation. It is a lifeline for millions of Americans connecting them to people, places and possibilities. It also builds thriving communities, creates jobs, eases traffic congestion and promotes a cleaner environment. Investment in public transportation spurs both local and the national economy.

Public Transportation Consists of a Variety of Modes

• Buses
• Light rail
• Subways
• Commuter trains
• Streetcars and trolleys
• Cable cars
• Van pool services
• Ferries and water taxis
• Paratransit services for senior citizens and people with disabilities
• Monorails and tramways

Quick Facts

• In 2019, Americans took 9.9 billion trips on public transportation.
• 34 million times each weekday, people board public transportation.
• Public transportation is a $93 billion industry that employs more than 430,000 people.
• Approximately 6,800 organizations provide public transportation in the United States.
• 45% of Americans have no access to public transportation.
• Millennials consider public transportation as the best option for digital socializing and among the best for connecting with communities.

Public Transportation Provides Economic Opportunities

• ​Every $1 invested in public transportation generates $5 in economic returns.
• Every $1 billion invested in public transportation supports and creates approximately 50,000 jobs.
• Every $10 million in capital investment in public transportation yields $30 million in increased business sales.
• Every $10 million in operating investment yields $32 million in increased business sales.
• An estimated $39 billion of public transit expenditures flow into the private sector.
• Home values were up to 24% higher near public transportation than in other areas. Hotels in cities with direct rail access to airports raise 11% more revenue per room than hotels in those cities without.

Public Transportation Is a Safer Way to Travel Than by Automobile

• Traveling by public transportation is10 times safer per mile than traveling by automobile.
• A person can reduce his or her chance of being in an accident by more than 90% simply by taking public transit as opposed to commuting by car.

Public Transportation Saves Money

• T​he average household spends 16 cents of every dollar on transportation, and 93% of this goes to buying, maintaining, and operating cars, the largest expenditure after housing.
• A household can savemore than $13,000 by taking public transportation and living with one less car.

Public Transportation Reduces Gasoline Consumption

• ​Public transportation’s overall effects save the United States 6 billion gallons of gasoline annually.

Public Transportation Reduces Carbon Footprint

• ​Communities that invest in public transit reduce the nation’s carbon emissions by 63 million metric tons annually.

Public Transportation Enhances Personal Opportunities

• 87% of trips on public transit have a direct impact on the local economy.
• Of all riders, 71% are employed and 7% are students.
• More than two-thirds of riders walk to their stop or station.​​

For more public transportation facts, see the Public Transportation Fact Book​ or APTA’s full research library.