Public Transit Facts

Millions of people use public transportation every day. Millions more see public transportation on the streets of their communities. But most people don't realize the impact of public transportation; its reach beyond mobility. Here are some facts about public transit.

56% of the population of New York City uses the public transportation system.  US Census Bureau, 4-2013

Every $1 billion invested in public transportation capital and operations creates and supports an average of 36,000 jobs.  APTA 2013 

For every $1 invested in public transportation, $4 is generated in economic returns.  APTA 2013

Almost 60 percent of people who ride public transit are commuting to and from work.  APTA 2013

Public transportation saves 37 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually - equivalent to the emissions resulting from the electricity generated for the use of 4.9 million households or every household in Washington, DC; New York City; Atlanta; Denver; and Los Angeles combined.  APTA 2013

Public transportation use saves the equivalent of 900,000 automobile fill-ups every day.  APTA 2013

An individual can achieve an average annual savings of more than $9,900 by taking public transportation instead of driving and by living with one less car.  APTA 2013

83 percent of older Americans say that public transit provides easy access to the things they need in everyday life.  APTA 2013

Public transportation is a $54 billion industry that employs more than 400,000 people.  APTA 2013

NYC Transit was the first public agency in the world to have a bus fleet 100 percent accessible to customers who use wheelchairs.  MTA

New York City buses do not accept paper money because NYC Transit uses giant vacuum hoses to empty fareboxes, a process that would shred bills.  MTA

NYC Transit - with 468 subway stations - has only 60 fewer stations than the combined total of all other subway systems in the country.  MTA

Laid end to end, NYC Transit train tracks would stretch from New York City to Chicago.  MTA

One of the original names of the Brooklyn Dodgers was the Trolley Dodgers, because fans had to cross trolley tracks to get to the ball field.  MTA