Liberals More Likely to Use Public Transit

Digging further into a recent report from the Pew Research Center that finds growing political polarization among Americans, Emily Badger finds use of public transit runs along ideological lines.

1 minute read

July 2, 2014, 9:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


According to Badger's analysis of the Pew Research Center's study, liberals are more likely to use public transit than conservatives.

Those findings, however, should be taken with the following grains of salt:

  • "First, regular public transit ridership is meager even among the groups most likely to use it. It's not as if a majority of 'solid liberals' get to work every day by subway, while steadfast conservatives wholly disdain it. The difference between the two poles in using transit 'at least once a week' is just 17 percentage points."
  • "But this may tell us as much about where all these people live as how they really feel about transit. Liberals are more likely to be clustered in cities, where transit is most common."
  • "What the above data doesn't tell us is whether liberals and conservatives have different preferences for public transit when they live in the same place." 

Monday, June 30, 2014 in The Washington Post - Wonkblog

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 7, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

The mayor of Baltimore speaks into a microphone in front of a rally for more state transportation funding from Maryland.

‘Going backwards:’ Baltimore mayor, students rally against state's transit funding plan

Maryland's proposed six-year plan provides no funding for Baltimore’s BMORE bus program and reduces its road maintenance funding.

October 2, 2026 - Baltimore Sun

A rendering of the waterfront development, which shows a lit-up stage by the waterfront and people walking about.

Detroit to transform waterfront with $2.2 billion investment

Developers will convert about 18 acres of unused parking lot space into civic spaces.

October 2, 2026 - ABC 7

A woman in the snowy woods wraps two children in blankets.

U.S.-Iran war may have ‘devastating’ impact on cost to warm homes

Vermont and Maine residents may see a 76% increase in the cost of warming their homes this winter.

3 hours ago - Grist

Construction worker uses a power saw to cut through metal.

Senate bill would ‘overhaul’ environmental permitting laws

Under the proposed act, government agencies would also not be able to suspend or rescind permits after granting them.

4 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive

A person crossing the street between two residential buildings in NYC.

Exemption applications for NYC’s pied-à-terre tax see 55% success rate

The city sent nearly 40% of its initial pied-à-terre tax warnings erroneously.

5 hours ago - The City Reporter