Five Signs America is Falling in Love with Public Transit

Dec. 17, 2014
More Americans are riding public transportation and upwardly trending statistics show it's not just a meaningless crush.

(CNN) -- You could call it a budding romance with the possibility of a strong, long-lasting relationship. More Americans are riding public transportation.

Upwardly trending statistics show it's not just a meaningless crush.

These newcomers -- many thought to be in their 20s and 30s and living in the nation's medium-sized cities -- are joining a love affair that rail-riders and strap-hangers in Chicago and the Northeast have known for generations.

After decades of embracing car culture, experts report growing movement out of the driver's seat and into transit stations.

The change is a reflection of a "do-more-with-less economy" where jobs often pay less than they used to and are harder to hold onto. For many, the cost of owning, insuring and maintaining a vehicle outweighs the value of its function.

The commuter culture got tired of traffic snarls and parking headaches. We may be seeing a statistical movement partially fueled by a generation that's more concerned than their parents about cutting air pollution.

For the five signs that America may be falling in love with public transportation, click here to read on CNN's website.