Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Economics

New Survey: 84% of Transit Agencies Facing Fare Hikes, Service Cuts

Budget shortfalls exacerbated by the lingering recession have forced 84 percent of local transit agencies to hike fares, cut service, or begin considering one or both of those options since the beginning of 2009, according to a report released today by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).

chaaaart.png(Chart: APTA)

APTA's bleak survey reflects data from 151 rail and bus systems throughout the nation, which together carry more than eight of every 10 U.S. transit riders. Sixty-nine percent of that group reported looming budget gaps for the coming fiscal year, with 11 agencies facing a deficit larger than 20 percent (see chart at right).

The economic downturn has taken a particular toll on agencies' operating budgets, putting layoffs in the mix and prompting a schism within the industry over redirecting federal formula grants to cover transit operating costs.

Nearly one-half (49 percent) of every transit system surveyed by APTA has redirected capital funds, which are set aside for acquiring or upgrading equipment, to cover operating budget shortfalls. Another 18 percent of responding agencies said such a capital funding transfer was under consideration for the future.

“As bad as things are today, more drastic service cuts, fare
increases, layoffs, and deferred capital projects will occur if this problem is
not addressed,” APTA President William Millar said in a statement on the survey results, urging Congress to approve temporary federal operating aid beyond that already approved for the Obama administration's economic stimulus law.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Monday’s Headlines Are Driven Not to Drive

Only one in 10 Zoomers associate cars with freedom, which helps explain why so many of them don't drive.

July 14, 2025

These U.S. Communities’ So-Called ‘Complete Streets’ Policies Don’t Even Deserve the Name

Any city can call itself a "Complete Streets" champion. But not all of them are walking the walk — and if they don't, a top organization says they'll no longer give them a platform on its esteemed "best of" ranking.

July 14, 2025

Friday Video: The London Neighborhood Where Bikes Outnumber Cars

...and how they got to that impressive milestone.

July 11, 2025

Friday’s Headlines Battle Galactus

Like the Marvel supervillain, U.S. interstate highway system seems to eat up everything in his path. A new book explores how to stop it.

July 11, 2025

New Report Shows Pedestrian Fatalities Drop — But Experts Say Not Enough

The Governors Highway Safety Association report showed a 4 percent drop in the number of pedestrian deaths last year, putting a slow on a dangerous trend — but advocates say the drop isn't nearly big enough.

July 11, 2025

Talking Headways Podcast: Localities Subsidize the State DOT

Adie Tomer of Brookings on how to improve regional coordination around infrastructure.

July 10, 2025
See all posts