Perfect Logic—Why Drivers and Transit Users Support Public Transportation

The American Public Transportation Association's Director of Policy Development and Research responds to Eric Jaffe's question: "If So Many People Support Transit, Why Do So Few Ride?"

1 minute read

October 1, 2014, 12:00 PM PDT

By Darnell Grisby


"In a recent [CityLab] blog post, Eric Jaffe asked the question, 'If So Many People Support Transit, Why Do So Few Ride?' While it is interesting for policy wonks to analyze voter intent and question their collective wisdom, a deeper analysis proves that voters seem to at least have a firm grasp on mobility issues," writes Darnell Grisby. "Jaffe’s assessment needs further discussion on three points. First, the nature of highway and public transit network coverage; second, the impact of funding decisions on ridership; and third, the nature of both economic and spatial development in the United States."

Grisby goes on to address each of these points specifically and sums up his argument with a statement of the logic behind those who support transit even if they don't use transit.

Friday, September 26, 2014 in American Public Transportation Association (APTA)

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