I am very optimistic about the future of public transportation. Over the past five years, people in 33 states have passed state and local public transportation funding initiatives totaling more than $70 billion.
More and more Americans have not only voted to tax themselves to improve public transportation in their communities, but have also chosen to use public transportation. In 2006, a record 10.1 billion trips were taken on American public transportation systems — the largest number of trips taken in the United States since 1957.
Whether it is high gas prices, increased traffic congestion, or a growing awareness of the benefits of public transportation, including reducing greenhouse gases, Americans have voted with their wallet and their feet to say that they value public transportation and want more public transportation options.
Assuming the economy does not falter, the increased public awareness of public transit and increased ridership looks to continue in 2008. In the first six months of 2007, ridership increased by 78 million more trips over the same period in 2006 and we are on track to exceed the record 10.1 billion trips that was set in 2006. Everyday, Americans take 34 million trips. The “Big Mo” is with us — now and into the future!
Speaking of the future, our industry leaders are participating in an APTA initiative, TransitVision 2050, to look at major trends in the near and far future. Clearly, a sea change has already happened as national issues (concern about climate change, reducing dependence on foreign oil) and local issues are propelling Americans to a more balanced, more multi-modal transportation approach. However, even as ridership increases to record levels, the cost of capital projects and of operating a public transit system continues to increase. The higher cost of fuel, the ever increasing costs of construction and materials, and the failure of the federal government to provide the legally authorized 80-percent match for major capital investments means more costs will have be borne locally and by the riders.
Despite these challenges, the public demand, along with the commitment of the leaders in our industry, will drive our national, state and local leaders to take the necessary action to increase investments in public transportation. In the year ahead, APTA will work with industry leaders to push for increased funding for public transportation in the new surface transportation legislation that is due to expire in 2009. We intend to work hard to make sure our elected leaders understand the importance of helping America’s public transportation systems meet the future demand of millions of new public transit riders.
Summary
I am very optimistic about the future of public transportation. Over the past five years, people in 33 states have passed state and local public transportation initiatives totaling more than $70 billion. In 2006, a record 10.1 billion trips were taken on American public transportation systems — the largest number of public transportation trips taken in 49 years. Assuming the economy does not falter, I expect increased ridership in 2008.
However, the need for more investment continues as public demand grows. Next year APTA will begin the push for federal surface transportation legislation that will increase our nation’s federal investment in public transportation.
Biography
An internationally known and highly respected public transportation advocate, William W. Millar has worked diligently for the past 35 years to improve public transportation. He has served as president of APTA since 1996. Before coming to APTA, he was the executive director at the Port Authority of Allegheny County for 13 years.
