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Public Transportation Protects Americans From Gas Price Volatility
Improving transportation options saves consumers money, increases affordability, reduces exposure to price volatility and is good for the economy. In fact, investments in public transit provide a large direct financial return to consumers: increased public expenditures are more than repaid, on average, in transportation cost savings. The predictability of these savings becomes even more important during periods of price volatility. Families cannot plan household budgets when faced with high volatility—they need stable alternatives. This paper highlights the role that public transit plays in protecting Americans from price volatility, as well as strategies that can buffer Americans from future gas price shocks.
2012 “Travel Like a Local” Summer Travel Survey
2012 “Travel Like a Local” Summer Travel Survey (PDF)Source: American Public Transportation Association
From press release:
As flip flops and shorts replace suits and ties, you know summer is here. And while many flock to beaches and cabins in the woods, 104 million people are planning a trip to the city. That is one third of Americans who will be hitting the streets of a city near you. Of those who plan to visit a city, nearly 60 percent (57 percent) or 62 million people nationwide plan to use local public transportation on their vacation this summer, according to the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) 2012 “Travel like a Local” Summer Travel Survey.
The survey, conducted in mid-May, shows that cost and convenience are two strong factors that will motivate city visitors to use public transportation. Among those travelers who will be using public transportation during their city trips, 71 percent said using public transportation relieves them from the worry of finding parking for their vehicle, while 68 percent believe that it is less expensive than taxis and rental cars. Sixty-seven percent will use public transportation to save money on parking and 52 percent responded they can save money on gas for their vehicle.
Travel experts at AAA note that this year Americans will be staying closer to home and the APTA survey reveals that heading to a city this summer will be a prime destination. The survey also notes the top ten city destinations.
10.4 Billion Trips Taken On U.S. Public Transportation In 2011
10.4 Billion Trips Taken On U.S. Public Transportation In 2011
Source: American Public Transportation Association
According to a report released today by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), Americans took 10.4 billion trips on public transportation in 2011, the second highest annual ridership since 1957. Only ridership in 2008, when gas rose to more than $4 a gallon, surpassed last year’s ridership. With an increase of 2.3 percent over the 2010 ridership, this was the sixth year in a row that more than 10 billion trips were taken on public transportation systems nationwide. During 2011, vehicle miles of travel (VMTs) declined by 1.2 percent.
“U.S. public transportation ridership in 2011 is now the second highest ridership since 1957,” said APTA President and CEO Michael Melaniphy. “What is exciting is that the uptick in ridership occurred in large, medium and small communities, showing the broad support that public transportation has nationwide. In fact, the largest rate of growth was in rural communities with populations under 100,000 where public transit use increased by 5.4 percent.”
+ Full Report (PDF)
The Case for Business Investment in Public Transportation and Intercity Passenger Rail
The Case for Business Investment in Public Transportation and Intercity Passenger Rail (PDF)
Source: American Public Transportation Association
This report focuses on key issues critical to private investors as they consider investments or future expansion into business serving growing passenger rail markets. It highlights national and international trends, the market potential in the U.S. future funding sources, and the need for public support.
Intercity rail services in the United States are provided by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, better known as Amtrak. Amtrak operates a national network of routes that serve all regions of the country. The Federal Railroad Administration has identified additional corridors where travel markets are ripe for high-speed corridor services to be managed by states or teams of states. These corridors are at the core of President Obama’s vision for high-speed rail in America. Many believe this vision will be a legacy of his Administration, and provides a forward looking transportation vision similar to the Interstate Highway system in the 1950s. These designated high-speed rail corridors, to be augmented over time, will complement and connect to the national system.
High-speed and intercity passenger rail services are part of a U.S. rail market that also includes commuter railroads, rail transit systems, and the freight rail industry.
Nearly Three in Four Private Sector Transit Businesses’ Activity Decreased or Remained Flat Due to Lack of Public Transit Investment
Nearly Three in Four Private Sector Transit Businesses’ Activity Decreased or Remained Flat Due to Lack of Public Transit Investment
Source: American Public Transportation Association
A study released today by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) noted that seventy-four percent of private sector businesses serving the public transit industry incurred flat or declining business over the past year due to uncertainty in federal investment, a down economy and a lack of investment on the state and local level. Of those reporting a decrease in business, the average decrease was 25 percent.
The study “Impacts of the Recession on Public Transportation Businesses” reached out to APTA private sector business members serving the public transportation industry and revealed that fifty-six percent say they lost business from their public transportation clients and 52 percent of businesses say they expect to lay-off employees or cut back hiring as a result. Seventeen percent say they may have to shift operations and business development to other countries.
+ Full Report (PDF)
Federal Investment in High-Speed Rail Could Spur 1.3 Million Jobs
Federal Investment in High-Speed Rail Could Spur 1.3 Million Jobs
Source: American Public Transportation Association
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) released a report detailing the enormous impact high-speed and intercity passenger rail projects will have in driving job development, while also rebuilding America’s manufacturing sector and generating billions of dollars in business sales. This report focuses on key issues critical to private investors as they consider investments or future expansion into businesses serving the growing passenger rail markets.
The report, “The Case for Business Investment in High-Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail” reinforces the point that investments in high-speed and intercity rail will have many direct and indirect benefits. Nationally, due to proposed federal investment of high-speed rail over a six-year period, investment can result in supporting and creating more than 1.3 million jobs. This federal investment will be the catalyst for attracting state, local and private capital which will result in the support and creation of even more jobs.
According to this new report, investments in building a 21st century rail system will not only lead to a large increase in construction jobs, but to the sustainable, long-term growth of new manufacturing and service jobs across the country.
+ Full Report (PDF)
