The Case for Investing in Transit
Report: Reinventing Transit 
Households with access to transit spend much less of their household budget on transportation.
Source: ICF International
More graphs
GHG emissions from U.S. transportation sector by mode (2006). View the full size graph
Carbon intensity of transportation modes in the U.S. View full size graph
Recent trends have put the U.S. transportation system is at a fundamental crossroads:
- Car travel has begun to decline, after decades of growth (see graph showing traffic trends). This is in part due to fluctuating fuel prices and the recent economic decline. But also there are fewer new drivers and travel choices have expanded since the 1990s.
- Transit ridership has increased dramatically, remaining strong even as gas prices dropped steeply in late 2008 (see Trends in Transit map). Yet many municipalities have been forced to make draconian service cuts and layoffs to close budget gaps in their transit systems.
Which way are we headed?
The U.S is poised for a large-scale investment in its transportation infrastructure through both the recent economic stimulus package and a new transportation authorization bill slated for this year.
Decision-makers will have to ask critical questions about how transportation funds should be spent to address national priorities.
Two clear paths emerge:
- Business as usual: Maintain a large share of transportation funding for new road expansions that compound the long-term problems of traffic congestion, air pollution, sprawl, oil dependence and global warming.
- Smarter way: Focus on sustainable transportation options by improving our existing roads while investing in transit that provides more affordable commutes, reduces pollution and generates a permanent stream of jobs well into the future.
Expanding better travel options
As local and state governments work on plans to invest in our infrastructure, and Congress writes a new transportation bill, there is an unparalleled opportunity to transform and improve our country’s transportation network.
Now is the time for officials to think creatively about new forms of transportation that meet the rising demand and address national priorities on energy, the environment and the economy.
Providing better transit options is key to our nation’s economic and environmental recovery (for details, see EDF's policy recommendations [PDF]). Here's why.
The environmental case for smart transit investment
Transportation sources are responsible for nearly a third of U.S. global warming pollution — most of which comes from cars and trucks (see graph). Taking transit is one of the most effective choices individuals can make to reduce their carbon footprint (see graph).
Tailpipe emissions are also linked to health problems including heart disease, lung development and even lower IQ levels in children (see Toxic Pollution and Health).
As policymakers develop plans for getting these transportation emissions down, they need to consider these key facts:
- If traffic grows in the coming years, it threatens to cancel out gains in reducing emissions from more fuel-efficient cars. That will increase the cost of actions needed to avert catastrophic climate change.
- Studies show that adding new road capacity leads to more driving over the long-term, worsening transportation emissions.
- Cars generate significantly more greenhouse gas pollution on a per passenger-mile basis than transit systems (see graph).
Thus, transportation policies that focus on expanding innovative transit while using existing roads more efficiently can both reduce transportation pollution and improve traffic congestion.
The economic case for smart transit investment
Transit investments make sense economically, too (see map [PDF] showing the economic case for smart transit investment) . Why? Smart transit investment:
- Creates jobs, both short-term construction jobs and long-term operating jobs long after construction is over.
- Promotes economic development and enhances real-estate values (see the American Public Transportation Association's studies and reports).
- Provides more affordable access to jobs (see graph) and connects employers to broader labor pools.
- Reduces gasoline consumption, helping to keep money in the local economy rather than sending it overseas to oil-rich nations.
Communities across America are leading the way forward
The urgency of the current economic and environmental crises requires solutions that have been proven to work effectively. Our report Reinventing Transit [PDF] showcases the new generation of innovative public transit already at work in communities across America, helping to create jobs while ensuring cleaner air and healthier communities.
Through the report's 11 case studies, we show that cutting-edge transit can be cost effective, flexible and implemented quickly. They are concrete examples of how modern transit can be tailored to any community, providing greater mobility and access to jobs while making travel cheaper and more energy efficient.
If federal policy supported innovations like these at scale across America, a true new generation of transit could be realized.
Posted: 22-Apr-2009; Updated: 22-Apr-2009
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