Rail Ridership Exceeds Expectations

"A study of rail-based public transit systems in nine U.S. cities found that ridership has surpassed expectations in nearly every case and that rail systems have boosted redevelopment around transit stations. The study suggested that Baltimore could reap similar benefits from expanding its rail system. The new report, Rail Transit Works: Light Rail Success Stories from Across the Country, analyzes the popularity of transit systems in six states and Washington, D.C. For example: Ridership was 40 percent higher than projected after a recent light rail expansion in Denver. Ridership in the first year of rail service in St. Louis was 3.5 times higher than expected. Salt Lake City's system is transporting 50 percent more riders every day than anticipated."