Recent Streetsblog USA posts about Rail

Transit ridership improved in the second quarter of the year thanks to passengers returning to the New York and DC subway systems. Image: Thomas Hawk

Urban Transit Systems are Adding Riders (Mostly)

By Aaron Short | Oct 15, 2019

You asked for a deep dive on transit ridership numbers — you got it!

Transit systems that focus on providing good service, like SFMTA's buses which allow all door boarding, over maximizing revenue can retain passengers without sacrificing much profit. Image: Paul Sullivan

Pushing For A Fare-r Deal For Riders

By Aaron Short | Oct 11, 2019

Transit can raise ridership and improve service while avoiding regressive fare hikes, experts say.

Gov. Murphy is working with NJ Transit to develop housing and retail on underutilized properties near rail stations in Trenton and other major cities.

New Jersey Hopes To Reverse Sprawl

By Aaron Short | Oct 4, 2019 | 3 Comments

To paraphrase former Gov. Tom Kean: New Jersey and TOD — perfect together.

Americans are spending four times as much on ride hail and taxi services last year than they did five years ago. Image: Steve Rhodes

Taxi Spending Surges While Transit Stays Flat

By Aaron Short | Sep 27, 2019 | 13 Comments

Americans spent four times as much money on Uber and Lyft trips last year as they did in 2013. This is a crisis.

Transportation officials are looking to boost service and capacity on commuter rail lines to meet the demands of the 21st century gig economy. Image: Mark Norman Francis

Commuter Rail’s Potential Is Untapped

By Aaron Short | Sep 26, 2019 | 9 Comments

Chicago, Boston, Washington D.C. and Philadelphia have suburban rail systems that serve only 2 to 6 percent of commuters — but better and more-frequent service could appeal to people who are currently forced to use a car.

This Atlanta bus speaks for riders — but not necessarily for Georgia lawmakers or suburban county leaders.

Atlanta’s Transit Flaws Are State’s Fault

By Aaron Short | Sep 25, 2019 | 3 Comments

Atlanta is set to spend more than half a billion dollars to build a 22-mile light rail line — but the vital public infrastructure won't likely be done until 2050 because the city isn't getting state or federal funding. And that's the problem.

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