APTA: MORE AND MORE PEOPLE ARE PRO-TRANSIT
Published at 26.01.2012 in International developments, Public transport
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) President/CEO Michael Melaniphy recently examined the needs and trends facing the public transportation industry in his 2012. 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.
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.
