New data released by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) indicates that US public transit ridership has reached 85 percent of pre-pandemic levels.
The figures, published in the 75th edition of the Public Transportation Fact Book and the latest Ridership Policy Brief, suggest a sustained recovery in public transport usage across a range of services and city types.
In 2024, transit agencies provided 7.7 billion passenger trips—an increase of 491 million compared to 2023. This ridership rebound has occurred despite office occupancy rates stabilising at 52 percent, underscoring the growing role of transit services in supporting non-office-based work, education, healthcare access, and other daily activities.
The reports highlight variations in recovery by service type and city size. Bus ridership, for example, has returned to 86 percent of 2019 levels, outpacing other fixed-route modes. Demand response services—commonly used by older adults and people with disabilities—have reached 93 percent of pre-pandemic usage, marking the highest recovery among all modes. Rail services remain below full pre-pandemic recovery, currently at 72 percent, but show continued signs of growth.
Smaller cities, particularly those with populations under 100,000, have demonstrated relatively strong recovery rates, reaching 88 percent of their 2019 ridership. According to APTA, this trend may reflect differences in commuting patterns and transit reliance across urban scales.
The reports also document a range of infrastructure and service updates:
- Transit agencies delivered 4.27 billion vehicle revenue miles in 2022, showing an increase from the previous year.
- The number of rail systems in operation has grown to 99, representing a 62 percent rise since 2002.
- More than 1,600 zero-emission buses are now in use, reflecting efforts to modernise fleets and reduce emissions.
- Bus accessibility for passengers using wheelchairs or other mobility aids has increased to 99.8 percent, up from 95 percent in 2004.
Economic indicators included in the reports point to broader impacts of public transportation investment.
APTA estimates that each dollar invested in public transit yields five dollars in economic returns. Additionally, over three-quarters of federal transit funding is distributed to private-sector firms involved in manufacturing, engineering, and technology development.
Transit use can also lead to notable cost savings for households, with an average annual saving of over 13,000 USD compared to car ownership.
APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas said:Our findings show that federal transit investments are delivering real results. Across the country, workers are building parts, designing systems, and developing new technology to keep public transit and passenger rail moving.
Continued federal investment will improve safety, boost efficiency, and keep projects on schedule. We urge Congress to support strong, consistent funding for public transportation to create jobs, drive innovation, and strengthen America’s economy.
