Conditions and Performance Chapter Listing

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Introduction

Summary

Highway and Bridge System and Use Characteristics

Transit System Characteristics

System Operations and Infrastructure

While State and Federal governments provide much of the funding for public transit in the United States, actual operations remain primarily a local responsibility. As local governments come to realize the regional nature of transportation problems, metropolitan planning organizations are playing an increasing role in formulating transit policy. Regional planning allows local officials to consider the effects of the transportation system on other characteristics of the urban environment as well, including land use, employment creation and location, and accessibility.

While most mass transit usage continues to occur in major metropolitan areas, it is becoming increasingly important in small urban areas and rural areas. In 1997 there were 556 local public transit operators serving 319 urbanized areas. There were also 1,260 operators providing service in rural areas, and 3,660 providers of specialized service to the elderly and disabled.

The urban transit system continues to grow in the United States. In 1997, transit systems in the U.S. operated 149,468 vehicles (Exhibit 2-18). Rail operators controlled over 9,922 miles of track and served 2,681 stations. There were also 1,179 maintenance facilities for transit vehicles in use. Between 1995 and 1997, the number of vehicles increased by 10.3 percent, track mileage grew by 3.6 percent, the number of stations increased by 2.3 percent, and the number of maintenance facilities grew by 1.2 percent.

Exhibit 2-18. Urban Mass Transit Active Fleet and Infrastructure, 1997