Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
APTA

Recession Forcing Cutbacks at Nearly 80 Percent of U.S. Transit Agencies

12:53 PM EDT on August 17, 2011

How bad have the past two years been for transit agencies in the United States? In a word: bad. In two words: very bad.

In survey results released today [PDF], the American Public Transportation Association reports that 51 percent of transit agencies have either raised fares or reduced service since last year. Meanwhile, 79 percent said they are planning to, or considering, doing so in the near future. Worse, 40 percent of agencies that have made cuts are still facing budget shortfalls in the coming year.

“Public transportation systems are currently experiencing decreases in their funding during a time when many are serving an increased number of riders,” said APTA President William Millar. “Systems are forced to continue to freeze positions and lay off workers, which makes providing necessary transit service even more difficult.”

For the 117 agencies surveyed, funding cuts at every level are leaving little choice but to scale back. Local and regional funding has been flat or decreasing for 73 percent of agencies. Meanwhile, 83 percent saw reduced or stagnant state support.

Capital funding is also declining across the board, forcing agencies to delay maintenance and threatening their long-term financial health. Almost every agency (85 percent) is experiencing some loss in capital dollars, APTA reports.

Funding woes have been particularly hard on larger transit systems. APTA reports 63 percent of larger agencies approved hiring freezes in 2011. Of those agencies, 74 percent are reducing the number of positions, while 46 percent are imposing layoffs.

Millar said the crisis at local agencies could be compounded by the House transportation bill put forward by Rep. John Mica, which would impose a 37 percent reduction in federal funding for transit. Such draconian cuts would surely result in a new round of service reductions and fare hikes that could have a chilling impact on job creation, APTA officials warned.

"Clearly, local and state governments will not be able to make up the difference as these needs increase,” Millar said.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Wednesday’s Headlines Ask How Much a Life Is Worth

There isn't much of a financial penalty for drivers who kill pedestrians — especially if those drivers are cops.

September 27, 2023

‘I’m Not Grieving Alone’: New Play Explores a Father’s Journey After Losing Two Children to Traffic Violence

Collin Campbell and his wife Gail Lerner lost both their children in a car crash with impaired driver. A new play explores why he

September 27, 2023

How Transit Saved Lives — And Became a Lifeline — During and After the Maui Fires

A Hawaii bus agency helped transport 42,000 people off the island in the wake of the most devastating fires in the state's history — and highlighted the critical role that shared modes can play not just in preventing climate-related disasters, but saving lives when they happen.

September 27, 2023

Tuesday’s Headlines Triple the Fun

Amtrak is staffing up and ready to spend the $66 billion it received from the bipartisan federal infrastructure law.

September 26, 2023

Pols: Congress Must Bolster Sustainable Commutes to Reduce Carbon and Congestion

The feds should bolster sustainable commuting modes and transportation demand management strategies.

September 26, 2023
See all posts