SURVEY * USA - Public transit use is up, but problems exist
Just when public transit use is booming, many systems are cutting services and raising fares, according to a national survey by the American Public Transportation Association...
Watertown,NY,USA -The Watertown Daily Times -September 10, 2008: -- Use of public transit soared to 2.8 billion rides from April through June — a 5.2 percent increase over that period last year, USA Today reports. That is the largest ridership for that quarter in 50 years... Fare increases are in the offing for 61 percent of the 115 agencies that responded to the survey, and 35 percent said they may reduce services... One problem is that transit systems depend on public funding to an extent... Sales taxes and other funds tied to the economy are down at a time that fuel costs are up... Cleveland's Regional Transit Authority proposed a half-dollar fuel surcharge on fares and a 12 percent cut in services. Riders revolted and Ohio is looking for money to amend the situation. The Transit Authority of River City in Louisville, Ky., has not been able to accommodate everyone who wishes to ride the bus. That is common: 39 percent of transit systems have turned passengers away, USA Today reports... In the long run, fuel prices are likely to remain high. Across the country, more people will want to ride public transportation. That is a challenge that must be met...
Labels: Surveys
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