The Realities of Pandemic Public Transit Service

Recent analysis by TransitCenter quantifies the effects of the pandemic for the 150 largest U.S. transit systems.

2 minute read

March 2, 2021, 12:00 PM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


New York City Subway

Kits Pix / Shutterstock

TransitCenter presents data on the operations of public transit agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic—finding ongoing evidence of sweeping service reductions in almost every part of the country. Some cuts have been deeper than others, however, as transit agencies have delt with declining ridership (and the farebox revenues that come along with riders)—whether due to disrupted commute patterns or stay-at-home orders—and the public health risks posed to operators.

TransitCenter analyzed data from National Transit Database monthly data to provide the following summariy of the state of public transit in the United States at the conclusion of the pandemic year, 2020.

Of the 150 largest transit agencies, about one in six were providing less than 75% of their pre-pandemic service hours in December 2020. Meanwhile, nearly a quarter were running between 90 and 100% of pre-pandemic service, and 27 agencies were running more service than they were before the pandemic as part of providing socially distanced transit.

Among those aggregated figures, TransitCenter also notes big differences between the largest agencies. While some have been able to restore most of the service cut in spring of 2020, some have struggled to restore service. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) has dealt with technical challenges restoring Muni Metro service, for example. The Maryland Transit Administration was operating just 66 percent of its pre-pandemic capacity in December, according to the article (after stopping short of cutting service even deeper). At the other end of the spectrum, Phoenix is operating more transit service than before the pandemic.

Breaking down the data by mode, TransitCenter reports that service has been cut most deeply for commuter rail—indicating one potential outcome of the long-term effects of fiscal stress and migration patterns of the pandemic.

Thursday, February 25, 2021 in TransitCenter

stack of books

Planetizen’s Top Planning Books of 2023

The world is changing, and planning with it.

November 24, 2023 - Planetizen Team

Close-up of 'Red Line Subway Entry' sign with Braille below and train logo above text in Chicago, Illinois.

Chicago Red Line Extension Could Transform the South Side

The city’s transit agency is undertaking its biggest expansion ever to finally bring rail to the South Side.

November 24, 2023 - The Architect's Newspaper

Diagram of visibility at urban intersection.

How ‘Daylighting’ Intersections Can Save Lives

Eliminating visual obstructions can make intersections safer for all users.

November 27, 2023 - Strong Towns

Close-up of hand reading Braille sign at bus stop in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Braille Signage Now at All Vancouver Bus Stops

The city completed installation of signage for people with visual impairments at over 8,000 bus stops.

December 1 - Mass Transit

Greyhound bus station in Houston, Texas next to street with light rail tracks.

Greyhound Leaves Downtown Houston

The bus company is moving to a smaller station farther from the city center.

December 1 - Houston Chronicle

Blurred view of NEw York City traffic near Times Square with yellow cabs and black cars.

Report Reveals Proposed NYC Congestion Pricing Details

The draft proposal indicates most drivers would pay $15 to enter the Central Business District.

December 1 - NY1 News

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

"Rethinking Commuter Rail" podcast & Intercity Bus E-News

Chaddick Institute at DePaul University

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.