Transit ridership around the country was up by 85 percent in all modes in 2024.
New research from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) reveals that U.S. transit ridership is up to 85 percent of pre-pandemic levels, despite office occupancy remaining low, at 52 percent.
According to an article in Mass Transit, transit agencies across the country delivered 7.7 billion passenger trips in 2024, almost half a billion more than the prior year. According to APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas, “Ridership continues to rebound despite limited office attendance, proving public transportation serves far more than traditional commuters. Our systems are vital lifelines, taking people to work, school, healthcare and special community events.”
Bus ridership rebounded more strongly than train trips, and smaller cities saw higher ridership levels than larger cities. APTA’s analysis indicates “a strong return on investment—$5 in economic output for every $1 invested” in public transit. Transit accessibility also improved, with 99.8 percent of buses nationwide now being ADA compliant.
Read the full story: APTA’s new report reveals U.S. transit ridership increasing to 85 percent of pre-pandemic levels
LA Bus Ridership Keeps Dropping as ICE Raids Continue
Bus boardings fell for a second month amid fears of immigration raids.
MTA Poised to Break Ridership, On-Time Service Records
New York City’s transit system saw strong increases in ridership and improvements in service quality in the first half of 2025.
This Toronto Suburb Has More Bus Riders Than Columbus, Ohio
Brampton, Ontario used gradual improvements in service to prove that if you build it, they will ride.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment
The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.
Satanic place names
From streams and lakes to valleys and canyons, I mapped more than 1,000 places named after the Devil.
California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal
Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.
Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states
Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority