Public Transport - It Is Important to Use It

While transit clearly benefits those who use it, even larger benefits accrue to all citizens in the form of economic development, reduced congestion, more livable communities and cleaner air.

STIMULATES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

A transit coalition report, “Dollars & Sense: The Economic Case for Public Transportation in America,” found that every dollar taxpayers invest in public transportation generates $6 or more in economic returns.

Every $10 million in capital investment in public transportation yields $30 million in increased sales.

Every $10 million in operating investment yields $32 million in increased sales.

SAVES MONEY

It’s more cost efficient to use public transportation, particularly in business and urban areas.

For every $10 million invested in public transportation, more than $15 million is saved in transportation costs to both highway and public transportation users.

According to the American Automobile Association, the estimated cost of driving a single-occupant vehicle is between $4,826 (for a small car) and $9,685 (for a large car), depending upon mileage. By contrast, the annual average cost for public transportation for one adult ranges from $200 to $2,000, depending upon mileage, time of day, type of vehicle or service.

CREATES JOBS

In addition to the 370,000 people directly employed by public transportation systems, thousands of others are employed in related support services (i.e., engineering, manufacturing, construction, retail, etc.).

For every $10 million invested in capital projects for public transportation, more than 300 jobs and a $30 million gain in sales for business are realized.

GETS PEOPLE TO WORK

Public transportation is key to moving former welfare recipients into the workforce as permanent wage earners. An estimated 94 percent of welfare recipients attempting to move into the workforce do not own cars and rely on public transportation.

The current $75 million federal “Access To Jobs” initiative...