Transit News Features

Stung at the Pumps, More Hop on a Bus

D.C.'s Outlying Transit Systems Rush to Add Capacity; Metro Worried

By Lena H. Sun and Jonathan Mummolo
For The Washington Post
As some gas prices pass $4 a gallon, transit systems are experiencing significant ridership increases, and Metro officials caution that trains could be overwhelmed if prices go even higher. Officials are looking for ways to buy or lease more buses, expand parking, encourage employers to stagger work schedules and persuade current riders to avoid the peak of the morning rush period.

Gas Prices Send Surge of Riders to Mass Transit

By Clifford Kraus for the New York Times
Cities with long-established public transit systems and areas with a strong driving culture are both reporting increases in ridership of buses and trains.

Gas woes lead to mass transit surge

Rising gas prices are sending a surge of riders to take mass transit -- and systems are benefiting from the extra revenue. NBC's Tom Costello reports.

Paying at the Pump -- Record-Setting Gas Prices Are Squeezing U.S. Consumers

“NPR takes a look at how people across the country are coping with the gas crunch, the factors behind skyrocketing oil prices, what's being done to bring them back to earth and cost-cutting strategies to employ in the meantime.”

Gas prices rattle Americans

“Record high gas prices are prompting Americans to drive less for the first time in nearly three decades, squeezing family budgets and causing major shifts in driving habits, federal data and a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll show.”

A ‘Green’ Rx to Save Carbon: City Density Plus Transit

Cars, trucks, and airplanes account for just 27 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Almost twice as much—48 percent—is produced by the construction and operation of buildings. Making existing buildings more energy efficient offers our earliest, biggest chances to cut greenhouse gas emissions, as well as creating lots of blue-collar jobs that can’t be shipped overseas.

Access to Bus and Rail Lines Reduces Driving by 4,400 Miles per Household, Saves 4.2 Billion Gallons of Gasoline and 37 Million Metric Tons of Carbon

The most energy efficient households in America that produce the least amount of carbon are located within close proximity of a bus or rail line. The people in those households drive an average of 4,400 fewer miles annually as compared to persons in similar households with no access to public transit, according to a new study released today by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).

Public Transportation Programs For Seniors 2007 Final Report

Respondents to the survey submitted an array of “great ideas” and successful programs related to topics such as driver training, special services, special trips, reduced fares, travel training, and information and outreach. A number of respondents also developed partnerships, collaborative processes and coordination activities with aging organizations (area agencies on aging, senior centers, adult day services), community service, and volunteer groups.