The system's ridership benefited from an extension project and free transit for youth.
Transit riders in San Diego took over 34 million trips on the city’s Trolley light rail system in 2022, more than any other light rail system in the country, according to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). As Andrew Keatts reports in Axios, this is still lower than the Trolley’s pre-pandemic ridership numbers (the system saw 38 million trips in 2019).
The Trolley opened an 11-mile extension of the Blue Line in November 2021, prompting a 66 percent jump in ridership on that line. According to the article, “The San Diego Association of Governments also began offering free transit ridership to anyone under age 18 on May 1, 2022.”
Elsewhere, “Los Angeles' light rail system had the second most unlinked trips — counting each transfer as an additional ride: 31.5 million — and Boston's came in third at 30.7 million.” San Diego continues to lead the nation in ridership based on preliminary APTA data from the first half of 2023.
FULL STORY: San Diego leads U.S. in light rail ridership
Transit Ridership Up in San Diego
Most of the U.S. saw public transit ridership continue its downward trend last year, but San Diego’s ridership, particularly on light rail, was up.
D.C. Leads the Nation for Transit Recovery
Ridership on the region’s rail systems is rebounding faster than other major transit systems.
How to Hire and Retain Bus Drivers During the Great Resignation
Bus systems all over the country are cutting service due to an ongoing shortage of operators—the drivers who make the whole system go. A few examples of success provide a way forward.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
Phoenix Light Rail Extension Opens
The South Central line extends 5.5 miles of rail into South Phoenix neighborhoods, bringing the city’s total light rail network to 35 miles.
How Extreme Heat Impacts Children
As summers get hotter and more dangerous, parents can take steps to protect kids from heat-related illnesses.
‘Quiet Parks’ Highlight Importance of Silence for Public Health
The initiative recognizes parks and other areas that preserve natural quiet in a world full of noise pollution.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)