Op-Ed: There Are No 'Captive' Transit Riders

Alex Baca argues that the dichotomy of "captive" versus "choice," while somewhat distasteful, is also incorrect. Transit can always stand to lose existing ridership through poor service.

1 minute read

July 3, 2017, 12:00 PM PDT

By Philip Rojc @PhilipRojc


Bus Stop

Bikeworldtravel / Shutterstock

We often hear about "captive" transit riders forced into the bus or train by the lack of a car. According to Alex Baca, "captive" versus "choice" can lull transit agencies into the complacent belief that improving service isn't necessary. 

In reality, Baca argues, "There are very few circumstances under which individuals truly have one choice, and one choice only. More likely, people—even the most destitute, and even the most disadvantaged—are choosing between a bad option and a worse option."

"Someone whose bus is consistently late might save up or take out payday loans to finance a car. They might bike or walk to work. They might spend more money on a cab or rideshare. Moving or quitting their job, while seemingly drastic, may become preferable. They may depend on familial and social networks for rides or access to cars."

There's also a class element. "'Captive' riders are disadvantaged. 'Choice' riders are privileged, and privileged by transit agencies, whose officials often talk in terms of attracting them away from their cars to ride transit." Meanwhile, the so-called "captives" get no such consideration.

Wednesday, June 21, 2017 in Greater Greater Washington

Black and white Rideshare Pick-Up Zone sign

The Slow Death of Ride Sharing

From the beginning, TNCs like Lyft and Uber touted shared rides as their key product. Now, Lyft is ending the practice.

June 1, 2023 - Human Transit

Amtrak train with large curved windows passing through scenic Rocky Mountain red rock canyon

Amtrak Calls for Expansion, Citing Close to 100 Requests for New Lines

The agency told a House committee it has received more than 90 applications for new intercity rail lines from cities around the country.

June 8, 2023 - Smart Cities Dive

Urban sidewalk shaded by large mature trees

Cool Walkability Planning

Shadeways (covered sidewalks) and pedways (enclosed, climate controlled walkways) can provide comfortable walkability in hot climates. The Cool Walkshed Index can help plan these facilities.

June 1, 2023 - Todd Litman

Dallas Freeways

Federal Infrastructure Dollars Funding Road Expansions

Far from kickstarting a transformative change in transportation policy, the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law continues to fund traditional road-building projects.

June 9 - Climatewire

An aerial view of a park and the streets and high-rises of Downtown Omaha.

Downtown Omaha Planning for its Post-One-Way-Streets Era

The Omaha City Council has decided to reverse the transportation model adopted in the city in the 1950s, for the benefit of traffic safety and local retail activity.

June 9 - KETV

A red sun appears on the horizon, as obscured by haze from wildfire smoke.

Planning for Proximity, for the Climate’s Sake

A new global platform will help the world identify and encourage opportunities for more proximity in the built environment—development patterns that can help reduce sources of greenhouse gas emissions and other forms of pollution if built well.

June 9 - C40 Cities

Assistant/Associate Planner

Bossier City - Parish MPC

Principal Planner – Advanced Plans

Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department

Planning Officer

City of Bangor

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.