Make a bus rider’s life easier
by Lynn Terlaga,
Let’s do some nerding on bus ridership and why it’s so important today.
Riding public transportation is one of the most effective ways people can conserve energy and protect the environment. It far exceeds the benefits of other energy-saving activities, including the use of energy-saving light bulbs, adjusting thermostats, or using energy-saving appliances.
“Compared with driving alone, taking public transportation reduces CO2 emissions by 45%, decreasing pollutants in the atmosphere and improving air quality. It’s estimated that public transportation in the U.S. saves 37 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.” Gas isn’t the only pollutant produced by cars, they also use antifreeze and other toxic fluids. Taking public transportation instead of driving reduces them all.
Improved air quality has health benefits for everyone. It means fewer cases of respiratory ailments such as asthma and even cancer. We naturally get out and exercise when the air quality is better.
So, who rides the bus anyway, turns out they are a diverse group:
Age: Most bus riders are adults between the ages of 25 and 54 (79%). 14% of bus riders are younger than 25, and 17% are 65 or older. (Pretty sure those over 55+ would like a safe, ADA-compliant place to sit!)
- Employment: The majority of bus riders are employed (71%). 7% are students, and 6% are retired. (Do these people really need to be sitting on the ground waiting for a bus?)
- Race and ethnicity: The largest group of bus riders are white or Caucasian (40%). 32% of bus riders are African American, 16% are Hispanic or Latino, and 12% are Asian. (Doesn’t everyone deserve a seat at their stop)
What about travel habits:
- Average trip length: The average bus trip is about 5 miles long. (The ride may be shorter than the wait, so why not provide a comfortable place to sit and wait?)
- Purpose of travel: The most common purpose for taking the bus is to go to work (44%). 22% of bus riders take the bus to school, 17% take it to run errands, and 16% take it to visit friends or family. (Not a lot of frivolous trips)
- Frequency of use: The majority of bus riders (62%) use the bus daily. 25% use it weekly, and 13% use it less often than once a week. (On behalf of the 62%, seating matters!)
- Reasons for riding the bus: The most common reasons for riding the bus are that it is affordable (64%), convenient (58%), and environmentally friendly (48%). (Pretty solid reasons, no?)
Economic impact, it’s a biggie!
- “Every $1 invested in public transportation returns $5 in economic benefit. Public transit riders spend an estimated $125 billion annually on transportation costs. This money supports jobs in the public transit industry and other sectors of the economy”. (With the money they contribute to daily travel, some of these people could have paid for their own bench!!
- “87% of trips on public transit have a direct effect on the local economy. Public transit riders generate economic activity, they spend money on food, entertainment, and other goods and services while they are traveling. This activity creates jobs and stimulates economic growth in the communities that they serve.” (Here we are shouting about problems in the economy when these people are out saving it)
- “Home values in areas near public transportation were up 24% more than in other areas.”
Bus riders are important for the economy and our environment! They have a significant economic impact on the communities where they live, and they help reduce auto emissions by forgoing the lone person in a car syndrome.
If it’s that important, how do we encourage ridership?
Simple things can encourage ridership, a place to sit is just one of them. In fact, the quality of the bus stop is the second most important issue for transit riders. Public transit is an important part of the transportation system, and it is essential for providing affordable, convenient, and environmentally friendly transportation options for all Americans.
Are we really going to haggle over the best way to provide a seat…..let’s just do it! And let’s do it now! Reach out for details on cost-free and maintenance-free partnership.
For the LOVE of OOH! Please subscribe
- Advertisement -
