This past year was tough for several reasons. Impacts from the global pandemic that spread not only a virus but fear and doubt across cities and industries are expected to extend through 2021. However, there are a few bright spots as highlighted by Mass Transit’s annual survey. While nearly half of transit agency respondents believe there will be a permanent reduction in ridership, those same respondents believe the industry is moving in a more connected, more contactless and rider-focused direction.
Nearly 55 percent of transit respondents report operating and capital budgets that are anticipated to be flat or higher than 2020. Small urban area and rural operators were more likely to report budgets that were higher than 2020. Additionally, the cost-cutting measure reported the most among transit respondents and private company respondents was leaving unfilled positions vacant. Overall, employee furloughs were only reported among 14 percent of transit respondents, but a higher percentage (22 percent) was reported from respondents at agencies operating in large urban areas.
How was this information gathered?
Mass Transit queried our transit agency subscribers, as well as representatives from private companies throughout December 2020 and the first week of January 2021. The survey asked about everything from budgets, COVID-19 impacts, State of Good Repair, procurement plans and much more.
While it is not possible to ask every question of every provider, we believe the data found within this survey offers valuable insight to mobility providers and the industry that supports these providers.